NAB reviews progress in inquiries against Fazl, others

Chairman says logical conclusion of mega corruption cases vital for corruption-free Pakistan

ISLAMBAD:

The Executive Board of the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) on Monday reviewed progress in inquiries against top politicians, including JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman as well as PML-N’s Capt (retd) Muhammad Safdar and Engineer Amir Muqam, for amassing wealth beyond known sources of income.

“NAB is making serious efforts to eradicate corruption from the country and for a corruption-free Pakistan, bringing mega corruption cases to a logical conclusion is not only the top priority of the bureau but all resources are being utilised for the purpose,” Chairman Justice (retd) Javed Iqbal said while chairing a meeting of the NAB Executive Board at its headquarters in Islamabad.

NAB deputy chairman, NAB prosecutor general, NAB DG Operations and NAB Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa DG attended the meeting through video link.

It was decided in the meeting that all inquiries should be conducted on the basis of independent, fair, transparent, merit and solid evidence as per the investigations act and all concerned people should be consulted in accordance with the law so that the requirements of justice can be met.

The meeting also decided to review proceedings in the Malam Jabba Ski Resort, Swat case in light of copies of the Peshawar High Court decision.

An investigation was also approved against officers and officials of the Bank of Khyber, Peshawar and others for alleged illegal recruitment in violation of the rules and regulations.

Addressing the meeting, Chairman Iqbal said, “NAB does not belong to any political party, group or individual but only to the state of Pakistan.”

Iqbal said that under the policy of accountability for all, Rs466 billion was recovered directly and indirectly from corrupt elements and deposited in the national treasury which is a record achievement.

He acknowledged the appreciation of reputable national and international institutions for NAB’s performance, saying: “It is an honour for the bureau.”

He directed to take steps in accordance with the law to arrest fugitives and notorious criminals so that corrupt elements could be brought to court where the law would take its course.

The NAB chairman directed that complaints, inquiries and investigations should be brought to a logical conclusion within the stipulated time as per law.

He directed all investigation officers and prosecutors to be fully prepared, with solid evidence and follow the NAB cases in the courts so that corrupt elements can be punished in accordance with the law.