News Analysis |
The National Accountability Bureau chairman retired Justice Javed Iqbal has rejected the notion from Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) that anti-graft watchdog is only targeting a single party while sparing the others.
Despite NAB’s requisition to put the names of the owners of the Eden Housing, accused left the country.
NAB chairman addressed the media and made it clear that NAB has been working against all the corrupt elements across the country without any prejudice against any particular province or political party.
He ensured the public that accountability process will not be compromised and will continue in accordance with the constitution and law of the country.
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“As a NAB chairman, I have never taken any action exceeding my legal and Constitutional powers. I request do not politicize NAB. It is established to fight corruption and serve people. It has got nothing to do with politics. Whether A or B is in the government NAB has to fight corruption and I believe that its actions (against the corrupt) cannot be stopped,” he asserted.
He reprimanded those who are not taking the NAB seriously and never turn up despite being served notices on a number of occasions.
He criticized the alleged culprits for not cooperating and reminded them that the law will take its course and those not following it will be made to do so.
Anti-watch dog Chairman showed determination to continue its efforts to eradicate corruption from the country even after the July 25 elections.
Ousted Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif while speaking to the journalists outside the Harley clinic, London reemphasized that he and his followers have been subjected to targeted political victimization in last few months.
On the other hand, PML-N’s President and former CM Punjab, Shehbaz Sharif despite commiting to follow NAB procedure, and receiving three notices, did not turn up to the proceedings. served the notice three-times.
After he came on the helm, he assured that anti-graft watchdog will adopt a robust policy to eradicate corruption from the country.
Similarly, Shahbaz Sharif’s son-in-law Ali Imran Yousuf did not appear before NAB eventhough he was ordered three times to present himself for investigation.
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Moreover, NAB has also started the process of issuing red warrants for declared absconders, Hassan, Hussain, former Finance Minister Ishaq Dar and Ali Imran Yousuf. All accused are facing corruption references in the accountability courts.
NAB has spread out its investigations into real estate scams. According to NAB Chief, it received staggering 11,000 applications alone from the Eden Housing affectees. Despite NAB’s requisition to put the names of the owners of the Eden Housing, accused left the country.
The bureau has also filed a reference against provincial bureaucrat Ahad Cheema in the Ashiana Housing Scheme case.
It also summoned Shehbaz Sharif on July 5 in relation with the Punjab Power Development Company (PPDC) probe.PML-N has repeatedly complained that only PML-N leader are held to account.
The Bureau came under severe criticism over allegations of foul play in Sindh, where it had to close down the corruption inquiries against several influential individuals [PPP leaders] due to lack of concrete evidence.
Whether A or B is in the government NAB has to fight corruption and I believe that its actions (against the corrupt) cannot be stopped,” he asserted.
Media also alleged that NAB closed cases against the likes of Mir Munawwar Talpur, husband of Faryal Talpur, despite having sufficient evidence against the accused.
PML-N’s Supreme leader has also a number of times termed the NAB ordinance as a black law enacted by the Rtd. General Pervez Musharraf.
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It is ironic that PML-N has voiced concern against the law right at the end of its term. Under the Chairmanship of Qamar Zaman Chaudhry, who was merely a puppet, and refrained from opening any case against corrupt elements in the government. But, the surge in the NAB’s investigations can be attributed to the appointment of NAB Chairman Javed Iqbal. After he came on the helm, he assured that anti-graft watchdog will adopt a robust policy to eradicate corruption from the country.
NAB has opened up cases across the board, against the political parties, and military personnel over their alleged involvement in corruption. It is sticking to its policy of accountability “for all” as the country’s prosperity lies in eliminating corruption.