Watchful eye : NAB judge to take off ice in G-B

On other hand, salaries of absent health department workers have been withheld

GILGIT: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has approved the appointment of a National Accountability Bureau judge for Gilgit-Baltistan. This has sent alarm bells ringing for those who have embezzled from the public exchequer, especially during the previous government in the region.

The establishment of NAB in the region was requested by G-B Chief Minister Hafeezur Rahman after he assumed public office to deal with the corruption cases that surfaced during the previous government.

“The office will be operational as soon as the judge takes charge,” an official privy to the development told The Express Tribune on Tuesday.

The judge, who will be notified in a couple of days, will hear all those cases of corruption that were heard by judges in other courts, including district and session courts.

Strengthening bodies

According to insiders, a number of corruption and embezzlement cases have already been referred to NAB. However, the proceedings were taking place at snail’s pace.

Speaking to journalists in Gilgit earlier this week, the CM said NAB and  the Federal Investigation Agency should be strengthened so that anti-corruption bodies work in a transparent manner and are not pressurised by any individual, party or group.

“We are politicians and it’s not our job to decide who is corrupt,” said Rahman. “On the other hand, it is the responsibility of investigation agencies.”

On the cards

The G-B government also plans to induct three more ministers in the cabinet. “A minister will be selected from Ghizer, Diamer and Skardu districts,” an official told The Express Tribune. “The chief minister has completed the paperwork that will be sent to the prime minister for approval.”

Action against health officials

The chief minister has vowed to ensure good governance. As a result, a series of decisions have been taken to streamline matters.

Recently, the health department has ordered freezing of the salaries of over 80 workers in Diamer district. The action against the employees was taken following their absence from duties and the failure to access records regarding their appointments.

“The relevant banks have also been informed about the decision,” District Health Officer Dr Issa Khan told The Express Tribune.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 26^th, 2015.