ISLAMABAD:
Citing a bout of ill health, former prime minister Raja Pervaiz Ashraf skipped a round of questioning in the rental power projects (RPPs) case that the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) had ordered a day earlier.
The bureau had summoned Ashraf to present himself before investigators in the RPPs corruption case. Ashraf, who was minister for water and power then, is accused of receiving kickbacks in the RPP deals.
In a written reply to NAB summons, the former premier stated that he was unable to appear before the accountability watchdog due to illness. However, he did not specify the nature of the illness.
“I’m not aware if he provided any medical certificate with his reply,” said an official of NAB, speaking on condition of anonymity.
The official added the former prime minister would not get away as the bureau would summon him again soon.
The recent summons by NAB were directly related to a 50 MW Naudero II power project case where investigators claim that the ex-minister for water and power was holding key evidence, besides concealing information which was vital to frame charges against him and other accused in the cases.
So far, NAB has recovered Rs5 billion of the total amount in question from those companies which were paid in advance by the then government.
Earlier, the NAB investigators also questioned former finance minister Shaukat Tareen who was accused of authorising the release of money to the companies. Tareen told the probe team he had authorised the payments only after the prime minister’s approval.
The NAB officials said they were planning to file references against half of the accused in the RPPs cases before May 27, the deadline set by the Supreme Court for NAB to complete investigations.
NAB chief offers cooperation
The NAB will present an immediate and long-term action plan to the incoming government for its anti-corruption drive. “The NAB is determined to follow the new government’s declared intent of zero tolerance on corruption and full promotion of meritocracy for good governance,” said the NAB spokesperson. He dispelled speculations related to the NAB chairman’s appointment.
Admiral (retd) Fasih Bokhari had been appointed naval chief by former prime minister Nawaz Sharif and as NAB chief his conduct has been entirely aboveboard in difficult circumstances, the spokesperson added.
Furthermore, he pointed out that the chairman was holding a four year statutory appointment and could not be removed, except in the manner specified for Supreme Court judges.
Published in The Express Tribune, May 15th, 2013.
COMMENTS (4)
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I recall this episode related by the late Justic Kiyani of Kohat in his book that when ever he visited this certain areas for inspection, the incharge person there would be sick with Diarrhea, and he wondered how come this gentleman always had diarrhea before the inspection team would arrive. It seems our esteem former PM may have those symptoms because he knows the truth and how long could he skirt and dodge the law enforcement agencies, the noose is justifiably tightening. They should also look into his assets in London and where did he get the money to go on buying spree.
tell him you are again being made PM then see his health
Now his physicians will advise him some health checkups abroad and an application will be moved to remove him from ECL.He may demand it as his fundamental right and why not? After all he " SERVED " this country and its people for 5 long years.
Cant people come up with better excuses? A 10 year old who wants to skip school has more of an imagination!