Corruption charges: NAB to probe ex-MNA Ashiq Awan, others

PML-N leader Rana Ishaq allegedly embezzled Rs500m

LAHORE:

The National Accountability Bureau, in a high level executive board meeting chaired by NAB chief Qamar Zaman Chaudhry on Monday, authorised corruption inquiries against former and current parliamentarians — including probe against ex-MNA Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan, Senator Azam Khan Hoti, MNA Rana Muhammad Ishaq and others on charges of misappropriation and causing loss to the national exchequer.

NAB also authorised inquiry against ex-MPA and former president of Pakistan Hockey Federation Qasim Zia, along with Khalid Anwar and Rana Zahid, directors of Stock Brokerage (Pvt) Ltd, on charges of cheating public at large and misappropriation of Rs107.7 million received from general public in the name of stocks.

Inquiry against Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz MNA Rana Ishaq has been authorised by NAB for alleged involvement in embezzlement and misappropriation of Rs500 million from Tehsil Pattoki council funds.

NAB also initiated probe against Zaki Ullah, former Secretary Housing (presently OSD), government of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa on charges of accumulation of assets beyond known sources of income, NAB officials added.

In the board meeting held at NAB Headquarters on Monday, it was decided to open inquiry against Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan for illegally detaining 12 government buses for her private use and alleged illegal appointments in Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP).

A case has also been launched against former federal minister Azam Hoti, his wife Humera Kash Azam and others, in which they are alleged of making illegal banking transactions and corruption of Rs128 million.

The executive board has also authorised a Complaint Verification against Maulana Abdul Wasay, ex-provincial minister Balochistan, NAB officials further stated.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 30^th, 2014.