LAHORE: The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) Lahore said on Thursday it found the appointment of Institute of Communication Studies’ Assistant Prof Ayesha Ashfaq “in order” in the investigation against former Punjab University vice-chancellor Prof Dr Mujahid Kamran.

“The record of Dr Ayesha Ashfaq was requisitioned like those of many others in (Mujahid Kamran case) in routine course in instant investigation. However, it is clarified that neither this investigation has ever been authorised against Dr Ashfaq nor she is subject to instant investigation. However after scrutiny of the record her appointment was found in order,” the NAB said.

Interestingly, the NAB could not mention as why its officials proceeded on a ‘frivolous complaint’ when “this investigation had never been authorised (by NAB).”

NAB spokesman Nawazish Ali Asim did not respond to Dawn’s query in this regard.

The accountability watchdog has widened the scope of investigation in the case of Dr Kamran and others in illegal recruitment, misuse of authority and other matters.

The NAB in October last had arrested Dr Kamran and four other former administrative officials over allegations of corruption, illegal appointments and nepotism. They were later released on bail. The main charge they are facing is 550 illegal appointments, mostly grade 17 and above, between 2013 and 2016.

Dr Mujahid remained the PU vice chancellor from January 2008 to December 2016. The NAB investigation against him is in a final stage.

Published in Dawn, February 15th, 2019