NAB launches probe against top bureaucrat

Anti-graft watchdog takes action after receiving complaint of corruption

LAHORE:

The Lahore National Accountability Bureau (NAB) has initiated investigations into corruption charges against Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister (CM) Tahir Khursheed.

The national anti-graft body launched the investigations after reception of complaints of corruption against the top bureaucrat of the province, while serving as communication and works secretary, shared a source.

Khursheed had allegedly awarded contracts worth millions of rupees to their ‘blue-eyed’ contractors.

The sources said NAB initial investigations suggested that he had committed embezzlements. “The accountability bureau when finding substantial evidence to proceed further after inquiry stage, launched assets beyond means case against the accused”, the source further said.

Read NAB seeks access to tax record of politicians

The anti-graft body had asked the principal secretary to appear in person on July 8. “You are required to appear in person along with complete documents before an assistant director Complaint Verification Cell NAB Lahore, NAB Complex Thokar Niaz Baig Lahore,” a summon issued by the anti-graft body to Khursheed read.

NAB also asked him bring the details of ‘the inherited properties acquired’ by him and his family members.

It had also ordered him to bring ‘complete record of movable as well as immovable properties held/ owned/ acquired/ purchased/ sold/ disposed off’ by him and his family members.

The other record sought by NAB referred to ‘details of investment(s) in shares/company(ies)’ bank accounts, copies of assets declarations performas submitted by him to the department, income tax returns and wealth statements submitted to Federal Board of Revenue (FBR).

In addition to this, the NAB had sought details of assets owned by Khursheed from different government departments.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 3^rd, 2021.