NAB, FIA should seek CM’s permission before raids: Agha Siraj

Durrani says that legislation is on the cards but, as far as the extension is concerned, it will be given to them

SUKKUR:

The National Accountability Bureau (NAB), the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) and Rangers should seek permission from the Sindh chief minister before raiding government offices or making arrests, said Sindh Assembly speaker Agha Siraj Durrani on Saturday.

The FIA and NAB seize important files during raids, he claimed during a press conference in Larkana on Saturday afternoon. According to the Sindh government, many of their files have been stolen, he added.

When questioned about the extension of special powers to the Rangers, Durrani said that legislation is on the cards but, as far as the extension is concerned, it will be given to them. It might take a couple of days, he claimed. The Muttahida Qaumi Movement has its vote bank in urban Sindh and we should respect their mandate, said Durrani.

When asked whether Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) co-chairperson Asif Ali Zardari will attend the eight death anniversary of Benazir Bhutto in Garhi Khuda Bux, he said, Zardari is unwell and his doctors have advised him to rest and not travel. However, PPP chairperson Bilawal Bhutto Zardari will address the rally in Garhi Khuda Bux, he assured.

Earlier, Durrani presided over the meeting of Mazar Committee, which was also attended by the district administration including, commissioner, deputy commissioner, DIG and others. The meeting finalised the arrangements for holding a public rally in Garhi Khuda Bux on December 27 to mark the eighth death anniversary of Benazir Bhutto.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 13^th, 2015.