KARACHI, Oct 21: The National Accountability Bureau on Tuesday disbursed cheques among forty-one victims of the Alliance Motors scam.

Over 50,000 families were deprived of about 3.57 billion rupees by the swindlers all over the country.

Governor Sindh Dr Ishratul Ibad distributed cheques equivalent to 25 per cent of the total amount deposited by the 41 investors at a simple ceremony held at the provincial headquarters of the NAB.

He also declared that a citizens committee will be formed to investigate corruption, particularly of government functionaries.

Speaking on the occasion, Chairman NAB Lt-Gen Munir Hafiz vowed to continue the fight against corruption and sought cooperation of conscientious people to eradicate the menace completely.

He said that about one billion rupees were available for immediate distribution among the affected people and added that assets between one and half and two billion rupees were also part of the case which NAB had filed in the accountability court.

He declared that NAB had decided not to deduct its 25 per cent legal share from the recovered amount, which was estimated to be around 700 million rupees.

He assured that NAB was determined to root out corruption at all levels and in all its facets for which its personnel were fully trained.

He also commended efforts of the Sindh NAB team headed by Maj-Gen Ijaz Ahmad Bakshi.

After distributing the cheques among the affected individuals of the 23-year-old financial scam, Governor Ibad termed it a landmark because it would “not only pave the way for the recovery of the swindled amount, but would also reinforce confidence of the poor in dispensation of justice.

He pointed out that the matter was also raised by the victims of the scam in the past at all levels and the matter was even brought in the notice of the previous assemblies but, they did not address the issue except forming special committees. Perhaps, he said, this was owing to the influence the swindlers wielded.

He lauded the efforts of NAB Sindh in pursuing the matter without being influenced by any quarter. He said the matter had become complicated over the years also because some influential people had filed fictitious claims in the court to usurp the assets of Alliance Motors. Despite all that, he said, the directors of Alliance Motors and their relatives continued to live lavishly.

However, he added, after the disappearance of culprits, the victims knocked every door for justice for over 18 years. Finally, NAB initiated investigations in the matter last year and filed a case in Karachi’s accountability court this year.

He appreciated the efforts NAB in the case and also for foregoing its share of 700 million rupees as a gesture of goodwill towards the victims.

The Sindh governor observed that the fraud continued openly and was a public knowledge. Therefore, it was the duty of government organisations, to forewarn innocent people who were being lured into the trap by the swindlers.

Dr Ishratul Ibad assured NAB of full cooperation and said that some other cases of corruption had also been identified.