ROLE OF LAW OF NATIONAL ACCOUNTABILITY ORDINANCE (NAO) FOR PREVENTING CORRUPTION IN THE PUBLIC SECTOR OF PAKISTAN

Abstract

This study explores the role of the National Accountability Ordinance (NAO) in preventing corruption in the public sector of Pakistan, examining the legal framework and implications of its implementation. Corruption poses a significant challenge to the development and stability of nations, particularly in the public sector, where it undermines trust, hampers economic growth, and perpetuates inequality. The NAO, enacted in Pakistan to combat corruption, encompasses a comprehensive set of laws, regulations, and institutional mechanisms aimed at ensuring transparency, accountability, and effective governance. The study uses doctrinal qualitative analysis to situate the research within the ethical, legal and social parameters. The research methodology adopted is evaluative, interpretive and analytical. The study highlights the key principles underlying the NAO, emphasizing its role in deterring corrupt practices, investigating cases of corruption, and prosecuting offenders. The study examines the role the National Accountability Bureau (NAB), a primary anti-corruption agency which is responsible for enforcing the provision of NAO to investigate and prosecute cases of corruption. Additionally, this study investigates the challenges and controversies confronting during the implementation of the NAO in the context of preventing corruption. It critically evaluates issues such as political interference, the independence of anti-corruption institutions, and the effectiveness of the accountability mechanisms. The study finds that corruption has severely affected the performance of the public sector which can be improved through prevention of the corruption by proper implementation of NAO. The study also find gaps and recommends the legislative changes in the law in order to make the available law more effective  Overall, this thesis provides a comprehensive analysis of the legal framework and implications of the National Accountability Ordinance (NAO) in preventing corruption in the public sector of Pakistan.