News Analysis |
Newly appointed Chairman National Accountability Bureau (NAB), Justice (retd) Javed Iqbal slammed Chief Minister Punjab Shahbaz Sharif over his derogatory comments on NAB.
Chief Minister Punjab Shahbaz Sharif on Thursday said that NAB was the most corrupt institute of the country and is used for political vilification. He commented on the performance of NAB in Musharraf era. He inquired, “What was NAB doing during the tenure of Musharraf?” He further said that it was the den of corruption rather than eradicating corruption.
Being an egoistic, paranoid and suspicious personality, can he trust Justice (retd), Javed Iqbal? Since his appointment, Javed Iqbal has not taken any visible steps which could indicate his direction, until his comments against Shahbaz in defense of NAB.
NAB chairman was formally appointed on 8th-Oct, at the behest of the PPP and PML-N. His name was finalized by Asif Ali Zardari and put forward by the Leader of Opposition in the National Assembly, Khursheed Shah. PTI was not taken on board but, it had to accept his nomination reluctantly.
While speaking to the media from NAB headquarters, he responded firmly to Shahbaz Sharif statement and said, “People who call NAB corrupt have finally opened their eyes to corruption. Why couldn’t they see the corruption when they were in power”? He further stated that “Zero tolerance policy will be implemented towards corrupt officers and officials and no officer including me is above the law,”
Read more: PTI to NAB Chief: ‘Act before we do’
Javed Iqbal further elaborated that “what’s the point of calling NAB a corrupt institution, considering that its head has just taken charge.” He sounded objective and added that NAB is on a mission to demolish corruption from the country. In defending the organization, the chairman said that no one would be treated unfairly and unjustly in NAB and all the promotions will be based on merit, performance, and seniority.
Before the appointment of NAB chairman, PPP argued that being a former apex court judge, Iqbal possesses valuable judgment skills and is laudable for his report in the Abbottabad Commission
Post Shahbaz Sharif comments, Nawaz is indicted in another reference related to Flagship Investments and other offshore companies. The trade of fire between the CM and the new chairman NAB has created an interesting situation.
Appointment of NAB Chairman and PML-N’s Surprising Choice
Before the appointment of NAB chairman, PPP argued that being a former apex court judge, Iqbal possesses valuable judgment skills and is laudable for his report in the Abbottabad Commission.
Read more: Why are NAB references against Sharif family important?
NAB chairman was formally appointed on 8th-Oct, at the behest of the PPP and PML-N. His name was finalized by Asif Ali Zardari and put forward by the Leader of Opposition in the National Assembly, Khursheed Shah.
According to the gossip mill in twin-cities, NAB chairman was appointed after the solid assurances and guarantees by property Tycoon, Malik Riaz. He is someone who is very close to Asif Ali Zardari and Sindh government, and he assured Nawaz Sharif that he would be shown leniency and some way will be sorted to ease out the pressure for his safe exit.
Amid media scrutiny, PTI’s relentless pressure, and developing animosity between the NAB chairman and PML-N, it will be fascinating to see how things will shape up for the House of Nawaz. Being an egoistic, paranoid and suspicious personality, can he trust Justice (retd), Javed Iqbal? Since his appointment, Javed Iqbal has not taken any visible steps which could indicate his direction, until his comments against Shahbaz in defense of NAB.