President Asif Ali Zardari has approved the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) Amendment Bill 2026, allowing the chairman of the anti-corruption watchdog National Accountability Bureau (NAB) to receive a three-year extension in tenure. The approval came just one day before the current term of the incumbent NAB chairman Nazir Ahmed was scheduled to expire.
The amendment changes Section 6 of the NAB Ordinance, which previously stated that the chairman would serve a single non-extendable term of three years and could not be reappointed. With the new amendment now approved, the chairman’s term can be extended once for an additional three years, allowing leadership continuity within the accountability institution.
According to official sources, the bill was passed rapidly through both houses of Parliament despite strong protests from opposition lawmakers. Critics argued that the legislation was introduced and approved without adequate debate, raising concerns about transparency in the legislative process.
Lt General (retd) Nazir Ahmed originally assumed the role of NAB chairman on March 4, 2023, following the resignation of Aftab Sultan, who stepped down citing interference and pressure during his tenure. After the president’s approval of the amendment bill, an official notification was issued extending Nazir Ahmed’s term until March 2029.
Supporters of the legislation argue that the amendment ensures stability and continuity in the leadership of the accountability body, allowing ongoing investigations and institutional reforms to continue without disruption. However, opposition parties have expressed concerns that the amendment could set a precedent for altering institutional rules through expedited legislative processes.
The extension of the NAB chairman’s tenure marks a significant shift in the governance framework of the accountability institution in Pakistan. Previously, the law strictly limited the chairman to a single term without the possibility of extension or reappointment.
With the official notification now issued, Lt General (retd) Nazir Ahmed will continue leading the National Accountability Bureau until March 2029, ensuring the continuation of the bureau’s operations and accountability initiatives.
