‘Nation’s future hinges on eradication of graft’

NAB director general listens to public complaints; issues instructions on the spot

QUETTA: National Accountability Bureau (NAB) Balochistan Director General Farmanullah Khan has said future of the next generation solely depends on sincere efforts for eradication of corruption.

“NAB is striving hard to eradicate corruption from the country. Collective efforts by all segment of the society are required to get rid of the menace of corruption,” he said while talking to complainants on Thursday during an open court held at NAB’ regional office of Balochistan.

The DG held an open court during which a large number of complainants hailing from various parts of the province visited the NAB office and submitted complaints against government functionaries, departments and private individuals.

The DG on the occasion recalled that premier anti-watchdog is making serious strives for eradicating all form of corruption and corrupt practices under the NAO 1999.

“NAB is committed to eradicate corruption through its holistic approach. Element involved in looting the national wealth would be brought to justice. The accountability body is pursuing the policy of across the board accountability, according to the vision of NAB Chairman Javed Iqbal,” he maintained.

He said in light of the documented proof in various cases, strict action would be taken to provide relief to the affectees and recover the looted national wealth. The DG listened to complaints of common citizens and issued immediate directives to the wings concerned.

NAB has tightened the noose around corrupt officials across the province in its attempts to free Balochistan from the menace of dishonest, fraudulent activities.

Earlier, National Accountability Bureau (NAB) Balochistan filed a reference in an accountability court in Quetta against the director, deputy director and two assistant directors of Director Development Office Quetta and one contractor for corruption, which had allegedly caused losses of millions of rupees to the national exchequer.

According to NAB investigation, the officials of Director Development Office Quetta in connivance with each other illegally had awarded contracts of six water schemes sanctioned for Hazara Town Quetta to their friends and relatives.

After collecting evidence against all the accused, NAB Balochistan filed reference against Director Development Office Director Mohammad Arif Baloch, Deputy Director Technical Abdul Khaliq, Assistant Directors Abdul Hameed and Abdul Nabi and contractor Ejaz Ahmed.

Separately NAB filed a reference against former MNA Qahar Wadan, former MPA Dr Kaleemullah, owner of a famous shopping center Dr Haroon and six others for leasing state land allegedly at throwaway prices.

An investigation carried out by NAB Balochistan revealed that the former MNA and former town Nazim of Quetta Qahar Wadan had illegally leased the state land to his relative and received the money in his brother’s bank account.

Later, former MPA and Quetta ex-mayor Dr Kaleemullah by misusing his authority gave another extension for the same state land leased to the owner of a famous shopping centre, Dr Haroon.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 29^th, 2019.