PTI about National Accountability Bureau

Lahore: PTI leader Ejaz Chaudhary said National Accountability Bureau instead of taking concrete steps to catch corruption has approached Ministry of Health and the Pakistan Tobacco Board for printing of ‘Say No to Corruption’ on cigarette packs. NAB is a watchdog against corruption but it is busy with advertisement campaigns. He said why do Pakistanis have to pay NAB salaries and perks from taxpayers money when it is of no use and cannot control the corruption. He said unless government makes NAB an autonomous body and takes firm steps to eliminate corruption the empty rhetoric of ‘Say No to Corruption’ is of no use. NAB itself is full of corruption and headed by a corrupt person who serves political interests of the ruling elite he added.

He said we have seen in recent times that all of sudden NAB has dropped corruption charges against Muk Muka group of Sharif Brothers and Asif Ali Zardari.

PTI leader Yasmin Rashid said if this is not a joke with the nation then what else is it. Does this message have any meaning with Qamar Zaman Chaudhry as Chairman NAB she added. She said Qamar Zaman Chaudhry is Sharif Brothers loyalist and assumed the charge as a result of a shifty deal between PPP and PML-N. As he has been given this lucrative post NAB would never open cases pending against leaders of PML-N and PPP because he had served under both governments in 90s she added. She said accountability in this country is a joke and only the helpless and poor are subjected to NAB and FIA inquiries in this country. Political elite is above law and that they get away every time no matter how corrupt they are she added.

PTI leader Andleeb Abbas said both PPP and PML-N has looted the country but unfortunately there is no one who can hold them accountable for their corruption. Political interference means that NAB is selective in conducting investigations and is toothless because NAB needs government approval before starting a corruption probe she added. She said corruption can not be controlled just by printing Say No to Corruption’ on cigarette packs as it is a matter of political will. The lack of political will on the part of the government to make laws work means that government action to fight corruption is largely ineffective in the country.

Andleeb Abbas said KP has made strict accountability laws and accountability commission can even hold Chief Minister accountable. There is no plea bargain opportunity available for the accused in KP accountability commission she added. She said recently the commission has arrested father of PTI MPA on corruption charges. This is the kind of accountability the nation wants in NAB, she added.