No one can pull NAB's strings: Javed Iqbal

Accountability body's functions will not be affected by the upcoming polls, says Iqbal

Chairman National Accountability Bureau (NAB) Justice (retd) Javed Iqbal on Wednesday said that no one can pull the anti-graft body's strings.

Addressing the media after briefing the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), Iqbal said if strings are pulled, he will go packing immediately and added that PAC has expressed faith in NAB's performance.



Chairman NAB said inquiries have been initiated against some individuals, with more to commence soon. Iqbal further added that he would tender his resignation if it is proven that the anti-graft body is acting out of vengeance.

Referring to the upcoming general elections, Iqbal said the accountability body's functions will not be affected by the upcoming polls and a person guilty of corruption will be charged. "An individual may be arrested before or after the elections if charged with corruption," he added.

Referring to former premier Nawaz Sharif's departure to meet his ailing wife along with daughter and son-in-law, the NAB chief said that the case pending against them was in the accountability court, and refused to comment on the issue.

"Human empathy exists, but I'm not stopping Nawaz, it is not my job," he remarked and further added that the ousted premier's return was not an issue.

Earlier, speaking to journalists inside the accountability court, Nawaz said that he had spoken to Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi regarding relaxation of NAB laws before the general elections.



“I’ve spoken to Prime Minister Abbasi about relaxing NAB laws on politicians so they don’t pressure them prior to elections,” Nawaz had said.