ISLAMABAD: The National Accountability Bureau Chief (NAB) Fasih Bukhari has said that due to corruption, the national treasury is facing a Rs6 billion to Rs8 billion loss per day, Express News reported on Saturday.
The NAB chairman said that the bureau’s job was to recover the 'stolen' money, not prosecute. He however added that if anyone was found guilty, they would be prosecuted.
“Till now, NAB has recovered Rs235 billion for the treasury but this is not enough,” said Bukhari, adding that the government has given approval for recruiting 300 new investigators.
Ongoing corruption cases
Referring to the rental power project case, National Accounability Bureau Chief Fasih Bukhari enquired whether the Federal Investigation Authority (FIA) had placed Prime Minister Raja Pervaiz Ashraf’s name on the Exit Control List (ECL) as yet.
The chairman also said that the Ashraf was interrogated for 3 hours before he was made the prime minister.
Bukhari told the media that a joint investigation team (JIT) including the FIA, NAB and police among others had been formed for investigating the Arsalan Iftikhar case and will be headed by the NAB director general (DG) Financial Crime Investigation Cell, as per the order of the Supreme Court and the Attorney General’s letter.
Speaking on the issue of conducting an unbiased investigation, the NAB chief said, “It doesn’t matter if we know Malik Riaz or Nawaz Sharif, the investigation will be unbiased.” He also added that he had never taken any money from Malik Riaz.
Referring to Arsalan Ifitikhar’s letter which he sent through his lawyer, the NAB chief said it was insolent through. “The letter is threatening, it uses threatening language, said Bukhari, adding that a notice will be taken in this regard.
Bukhari said that although the Sharif brothers’ case could yield just Rs3 billion and the Swiss letter case, Rs6 billion but the case of former Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) chairman Tauqeer Sadiq could restore Rs55 billion to the treasury. He told the media that a warrant was to be issued for Tauqeer Sadiq’s arrest.
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well almost whole country is corrupt and every one is guilty of contempt then why are PPP politicians being targeted
Chairman NAB is also required in a contempt of court case (under CRL.ORG. No. 132-W-12) in the court of Chief Justice of Lahore High Court, Umar Ata Bandial, for sitting on the files of embassies sale scandal (the embassies of Pakistan sold in Jakarta in 2002 and in Tokyo in 2007). Why does he shy away from appearing there?
statement from NAB chairman proves that NAB has failed to check and address corruption it is growing
@Logic Europe: So how's that EU thing coming along?
There should be an open list of all cases and the biggest defaulters/looters must be targeted first. Once you take the politics out of it and make it transparent then the country would behind you. Let us take the top cases on priority basis and stop wasting time in politics. To all those who hate the elcted govt, this NAB chief was appointed by the govt not the PCO judges.
THIS IS NON-BANK BORROWING AND NOT SAVINGS.
This also leads to financial dis-intermediation as money flows out of the banks.
where do these numbers come from. one what basis have they been calculated.
NAB should also be transparent at least after fixing accountability. This will add credibility of the institution..
ET has not reported a significant statement here about NAB deciding not to re-open cases of the Sharifs' money laundering reportedly because of elections coming up. Is that the job of the top anti-corruption body to look into political consequences of its actions? I'm surprised at people above who are commending Fasih Sahab. I don't think he has shown much mettle at all as Chairman NAB but perhaps this was the reason he was appointed here.
8 Billion a day... 240 Billion a Month...that 2880 Billion Rs a Year... 900 Billion More than Pakistan's Annual Tax collection (1900 B Rs).. If we stop this corruption our revenue could be doubled and Pakistan's fortunes could change.
Hope this man lasts!! It is about time such officials refuse to tow the party line and speak up followed by actions.
When Imran Khan used to say Corruption is Pakistan's Biggest problem , they used to laugh at him. I hope you are not laughing any more..
Ali gilani@ "Nab should nail that Arrogant son …. ". Should be referring to two sons of ex-PM who made billions in 4 years, from providing services"
Mr. Bokhari, please investigate arrogant Arsalan Ifthikar Chaudhry thoroughly!
"Actions speak louder than words", first bring all plundered money back to exchequer and then talk about the menace of corruption.It is because of the negligence done on part of institutions like NAB that we are facing such huge amount of corruption. ET, his name is Faish Bukhari not Faiz Bukhari.
There is a great responsibility on Chairman of NAB to root out corruption from the country. This is the only way forward
@Baghi: Do not get impressed by one side of the coin. ponder on question raised by Ajamal the first commentor.
Well, if there is that much corruption, then catch some big fish. Not even one single sitting MP has had corruption charges proven against him. We will judge you by action, not by words
Surprisingly a bold guy. Hope will prevail to recover more.
Corruption and PPP go together...........
Would he comment on Malik Riaz cases and his role in the appointment of Mr Bukhari as NAB Chairman?