Shahbaz Sharif points out NAB the cases to work

Lahore: Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif has said that crores of rupees of the nation were wasted in the project of land record computerization during the dictatorial period and some scandals of corruption also surfaced which were in the notice of NAB but it is lamentable that no action was taken.

He expressed these views while addressing a function . The Chief Minister said that through the former ruler who wanted to elect president in uniform ten times during dictatorial era started work on land record computerization project in three districts but nothing was done practically and 90 crore rupees of the poor nation were wasted. He said that NAB did not investigated the matter, it should have taken notice of this fact.

He said that accountability process is essential for every society for progress and prosperity. He said that NAB is investigating various matters in Punjab for the last some months and the government has also extended full support to it in the investigation process.

Shahbaz Sharif said he wanted to make it clear to his friends in Sindh who said that hue and cry is made when NAB started inquiry in Punjab that it is not so, rather, all out cooperation is provided to NAB for this purpose.  He said that though scandals of billions of rupees surfaced during dictatorial era and documentary evidence is also available but no action has been taken. He said that he will soon bring the facts to light.

He said that during a private gathering last night, he talked about NAB as an institution and that there is documentary evidence about the scandals of billions of rupees relating to the period of dictatorship but NAB has not initiated any proceeding.

Shahbaz Sharif said that he is ready to face any punishment or quit politics if corruption of even a single penny is proved against him. He said that the corruption committed by some tehsildars and patwaris is much more than the total corruption in Pakistan. What NAB has to say in this regard, he asked.

He said that he has no enmity with NAB. He said that Chairman NAB served as Commissioner in Punjab during the period of 1998. The Chief Minister said that he has always supported accountability as corruption is the root cause of poverty. He said that it is not proper to talk on the basis of suppositions.

He said that besides recruitments of lakhs of teachers, policemen, vacancies in all departments have been filled on merit and under the same policy, three thousand recruitments have been made for land record centers and no one has been appointed on political basis.

He stressed upon the officers and staff of land record centers to serve the humanity with commitment and dedication and extend all out help to the people coming to these centers. He said that in case of corruption or irregularity, accountability should be ensured.