NAB sets up AI-based system to investigate financial and white-collar crimes

ISLAMABAD: The National Accountability Bureau has established an artificial intelligence-based investigation system aimed at probing financial crimes and other white-collar offences, according to a statement issued on Tuesday by National Centre of Artificial Intelligence Chairman Dr Yasar Ayaz.

Ayaz described the initiative as a major step in digital transformation and institutional modernisation, and called it Pakistan’s first sovereign generative AI-powered investigation system.

He said the platform had been developed as an advanced system to assist investigations into white-collar crime. According to Ayaz, the project reflects Pakistan’s expanding ability to produce indigenous AI solutions suited to national needs while preserving data sovereignty and institutional ownership.

The NCAI chairman said the system set a national standard for the responsible use of artificial intelligence in public-sector institutions. He added that the platform was expected to improve the speed, precision and overall effectiveness of investigations involving corruption, financial wrongdoing and other complicated white-collar cases.

Ayaz said the system would help investigators organise information and generate useful insights, supporting evidence-based decisions and reinforcing institutional accountability. He said the project formed part of NAB’s broader reform efforts and showed the bureau’s intent to use modern technology to improve transparency, efficiency and public confidence.

According to the statement, the initiative is also in line with wider national efforts to encourage innovation, digital governance and the use of emerging technologies in public service delivery.

Review meeting held in Islamabad

A meeting on the project was held under the supervision of NAB Islamabad/Rawalpindi Director General Waqar Ahmed Chauhan. It was attended by NCAI experts, including Ayaz, along with members of the AI development team.

During the session, the NCAI team gave a detailed demonstration of the AI-powered investigation platform and briefed participants on the progress made so far. Those attending reviewed the system’s functions in areas including complaint verification, inquiry management, investigation support, financial analysis, evidence management and decision-making assistance.

The participants expressed satisfaction over the progress achieved and reiterated their commitment to ensuring the platform’s timely completion and deployment.

Once it becomes operational, the system is expected to serve as a flagship indigenous AI project and a model for the use of sovereign generative AI in Pakistan’s public sector, according to the statement. The meeting ended with NAB and NCAI reaffirming their commitment to continue working together to advance AI innovation and promote Pakistan’s role in developing sovereign AI solutions for the public sector.