Resignation buzz: NAB chief rumour spins out of control

Authorities to take action against ‘a fake Bokhari’.

KARACHI:

Moments after orders for the premier’s arrest were announced, BBC Urdu reported that National Accountability Bureau (NAB) Chairman Fasih Bokhari had resigned in light of the events that had transpired.

When BBC Urdu attempted to contact the NAB chief, an imposter allegedly confirmed that he was Bokhari and confirmed reports of his resignation. As the news appeared on the BBC Urdu news website, the NAB spokesperson as well as the personal assistant to the chairman clarified the situation, saying action had been initiated against the individual impersonating Bokhari.

The chairman’s personal assistant, Zaheer, told BBC that legal action would be taken against the individual, while NAB spokesperson Zafar Iqbal also refuted the news earlier in the day.



“By some error, BBC reported that Chairman NAB has resigned; which is untrue. Chairman NAB has repeatedly stated that he will not resign; that he has a mission to work for the poor people of Pakistan, which he will complete and will not resign. This erroneous news has been picked up by numerous local channels; but it is, nonetheless, untrue,” said a statement issued by the spokesperson.

Former media adviser to the NAB chief, Dr Ayesha Siddiqa, claimed the timing of the court’s decision in the rental power projects case sparked suspicions that Bokhari had resigned.

Siddiqa said that since the investigation has not concluded, responsibility should not be fixed on any accused yet, including the prime minister. She added that NAB lacks the technical facilities to collect forensic evidence, causing a delay in tracking the imposter.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 16^th, 2013.