Opposition to propose names for NAB chief once Nawaz returns: Khursheed Shah

Ex-NAB chief Admiral Bokhari was removed on May 29 and his appointment was declared illegal by the apex court.

ISLAMABAD: Opposition leader in the National Assembly Syed Khursheed Shah on Thursday said that nominations for the post of chairman National Accountability Bureau (NAB) would be forwarded to the government once Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif returns from China.

He said, "We contacted all the opposition parties including Awami National Party (ANP), Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), and Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) for coming to a consensus on the appointment of chairman NAB. However, only ANP has responded."

Minister for Information and Broadcasting Pervez Rasheed said that the appointment of Chairman NAB will be made with consensus and for the purpose, the opposition leader will be taken into confidence.

Nawaz had earlier recommended two names as suitable replacements for Admiral (retd) Fasih Bukhari who was removed from his post on Supreme Court's directives.

Earlier, Justice Rehmat Hussain Jaffery and former federal secretary Khwaja Zahiruddin Ahmed were nominated by the prime minister.

The Supreme Court had earlier expressed displeasure over the non-appointment of NAB chief despite court orders.

Admiral Bokhari was removed on May 29 and his appointment was declared illegal by the apex court.