Avoiding the law: Some public sector entities not sending copies of contracts to NAB

Chairman tells DGs to make sure that details of procurements above Rs50m are received for scrutiny and review

Some public sector entities are avoiding submitting to NAB copies of contracts of Rs50 million and above.

As per law, if any government department issues a contract having value Rs50 million or more, it has to send a copy to National Accountability Bureau (NAB) for scrutiny.

However, during a meeting at NAB Headquarters, the bureau’s chairman noted that some public sector departments, are not submitting the copies of contracts of Rs50 million or above to NAB for scrutiny and review.

NAB Chairman Justice (retd) Javed Iqbal said submitting details of procurements and tendering process helps NAB securitise the transparency in the execution of the projects under its prevention regime as per NAO, 1999.

NAB chairman has directed all DGs of NAB to ensure submission of copies of all contracts of Rs50 million or above from public sector departments come under their areas of jurisdiction to NAB as per law. Strict action would be taken against the failure officers as per law.

The chairman expressed his satisfaction over the performance of NAB and directed operations and prosecution divisions to make all out efforts conclude all ongoing complaint verifications, inquiries and investigations within the prescribed time frame after collecting concrete and solid evidence as per law.

He said the policy of accountability for all is being followed and accountability is seen to be done. He directed NAB officers to perform their duties in accordance with law without caring about the position and status of the suspect. 

Published in The Express Tribune, March 10^th, 2018.