Astronomical numbers: Stunned cabinet seeks explanation from NAB chief

Bureau’s report holds that daily corruption amounts to Rs6-7b; PM summons Fasih Bokhari

ISLAMABAD: It may be disbelief or denial on the cabinet’s part on Wednesday in reaction to figures that are either unbelievable or plainly impossible: Daily corruption in Pakistan amounts to a whopping six to seven billion rupees.

Either way, the shocking National Accountability Bureau (NAB) report, which is to be published on Friday (tomorrow), has the makings of a head-on collision between the government and the country’s top corruption watchdog.

The cabinet rejected the NAB report, and sources privy to the meeting’s proceedings told The Express Tribune that members expressed incredulity at the astronomical figure. Was this even possible, they asked. Now, on the cabinet’s insistence, Prime Minister Raja Pervaiz Ashraf will summon the NAB chief and ask him to provide a statement regarding the content of the report.

On the other hand, NAB chief Admiral (retd) Fasih Bokhari came out with a statement immediately after the cabinet meeting, wherein he stood by the figures. “It would be shared with the media on December 14,” said a NAB spokesperson in a statement following the meeting.

“NAB is in the process of preparing a position paper pertaining to the wastage from the public exchequer due to inefficiency and the lack of capacity by the concerned stakeholders,” said the NAB spokesperson. He added that, since March 2012, under the Prevention Initiative, 173 projects at the federal and provincial levels were scrutinized by NAB, carrying a financial impact of Rs1.475 trillion.

Sources added that cabinet members also condemned an earlier Transparency International Pakistan (TIP) report on widespread corruption, and alleged that the organization is pursuing a ‘specific agenda’ to defame Pakistan. Premier Ashraf later formed a three-member committee to probe the corruption charges mentioned in the TIP report.

After the cabinet meeting, Information Minister Qamar Zaman Kaira rejected the allegations of corruption and the impression that only the federal government was responsible for corruption, saying there were several other institutions and four provincial governments functioning in the country.

Minority seats increased

Meanwhile, Pakistan’s minorities were finally given a reason to celebrate – the federal cabinet approved in principle an increase in their seats in the National Assembly.

At present, 10 seats in the National Assembly are reserved for minorities. Now, four more seats will be given to minority representatives.

Minister In-charge for National Harmony Dr Paul Bhatti had sought more seats for minorities in Parliament as well as in provincial assemblies, citing an increase in the national population.

In his opening remarks, the prime minister said: “Minorities are an integral part of Pakistani society and keeping in view their important role in the development of the country, the government has fulfilled its commitment by increasing the number of seats in the National Assembly. The promulgation of personal laws for minorities is our next target to bring them at par with the Muslims citizens of the country.”

‘Kabul must provide proof’

Earlier, while addressing the session, Premier Ashraf termed Afghan President Hamid Karzai’s allegations against Pakistan over the attack on their intelligence chief as baseless. “Instead of hurling baseless allegations, the Afghan government should provide solid evidence in this regard,” he said.

Kaira briefing

Over the CNG price issue, Kaira, briefing the media after the meeting, said it would be resolved soon but added that the Cabinet did not take up the issue since Adviser to the Prime

Minister on Petroleum Dr Asim Hussain was not present.

He added that the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (Ogra) should resolve the CNG price issue as the Supreme Court has issued clear directions in this regard.