Without discrimination: Govt, opposition agree on neutral graft body

Khawaja Asif says NAB’s reputation has become unfavourable

ISLAMABAD: The government and opposition on Tuesday agreed to draw up consensual legislation for creation of an independent body for accountability of all citizens of the country without discrimination.

The debate on the issue ensued following a proposal moved by Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader Raza Hayat Hiraj. The proposed bill, entitled “The Holder of Public Exchequer (accountability) Bill”, sought establishment of an independent and neutral body for accountability.

Hiraj argued there is a widespread impression in the general public that the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) is only mandated to hold politicians accountable for wrongdoings. “It is incumbent on this parliament to enact a law that should ensure across-the-board accountability, without any discrimination, fear or favour,” he said.

Speaking on the bill, Minister for Defence, Water and Power Khawaja Asif said the bill should be referred to the relevant standing committee to create consensus on the issue. “Corruption is devouring the national assets and it is necessary to create an independent body to ensure accountability of all.” The minister admitted the reputation of NAB is not favourable in the general public because of its use as a tool for political victimisation during the era of Pervez Musharraf.

“We should create an institution that people can trust in,” said Asif, adding that his party has been struggling over the last five years to introduce a consensus bill on it but to no avail. Opposition Leader Khursheed Shah agreed with the minister and said his party was willing to work with the government to build consensus on the creation of an independent and potent accountability body.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 25^th, 2015.