ISLAMABAD, Dec 13: A lawyer representing former prime minister Yousuf Raza Gilani has appeared at the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) to represent him in the investigation into the National Insurance Company Limited (NICL) scam.

The lawyer, Javed Iqbal, visited NAB headquarters on Friday and showed a power of attorney in which Mr Gilani authorises him to represent him in the case.

NAB spokesman Ramzan Sajid told Dawn that the former prime minister had agreed to cooperate with NAB in the investigation.

Mr Iqbal assured NAB officials that his client would work with investigators and send his statement soon.

It is for the first time since the end of the PPP government on March 16 that Mr Gilani has agreed to join a NAB investigation.

Earlier, NAB used police to deliver a letter to Mr Gilani asking him to submit a statement on his alleged involvement in the NICL scam.

Meanwhile, NAB said on Friday that it was investigating the NICL scam without considering the political affiliation of any of the accused.

NAB said in a statement that it would act in good faith and in accordance with the law and instructions of the Supreme Court.

“No individual is being, nor will be persecuted in this or any other case, because of his/her political affiliation; nor will any individual in this, or in any other case, be treated preferentially because of his/her affiliation,” the statement said.

It said that an individual who had been summoned was not necessarily indicted.

“The process of investigation is as much to identify the guilty for further action, as it is to exonerate the innocent.”