NAB has lost its credibility, says information minister

Published July 8, 2015
Pervez Rasheed calls for major reforms in the accountability establishment.—APP/File
Pervez Rasheed calls for major reforms in the accountability establishment.—APP/File

ISLAMABAD: Information Minister Pervaiz Rasheed on Wednesday hit out at the National Accountability Bureau (NAB), saying it has lost its credibility by failing to curb corruption.

Speaking to media representatives outside Parliament House, the minister also called for major reforms in the accountability establishment. His statements come a day after NAB officials had filed a report of 150 mega corruption cases before the Supreme Court.

Know more: NAB submits list of 150 mega corruption cases to apex court

NAB had submitted a list that include cases against high profile figures, including incumbent Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, his brother and Chief Minister Punjab Shahbaz Sharif, former premiers, ministers and top bureaucrats.

Rasheed alleged that the NAB was used as a tool by former president and dictator Pervez Musharaf to intimidate and harass opponents in the past.

He said that NAB has leveled false allegations against the political leadership and the performance of the bureau itself must be scrutinised.

The minister further said that Nawaz Sharif has been elected as prime minister for the third time and the manner in which NAB has tried to bring his reputation to question has hurt the sentiments of millions of people who have faith in him.

Expressing displeasure at the conduct of the bureau — in terms of cases of corruption for the last 15 years or so — the minister noted that NAB and its officials need to be held accountable.

He further claimed that NAB failed to prosecute suspects in a court of law, while it engaged in public slander and blackmail.

Opinion

Editorial

More pledges
25 May, 2024

More pledges

THE administration’s campaign to bring Gulf investment to Pakistan continues apace, with the prime minister...
Pemra overreach
25 May, 2024

Pemra overreach

IT seems, at best, a misguided measure and, at worst, an attempt to abuse regulatory power to silence the media. A...
Enduring threat
25 May, 2024

Enduring threat

THE death this week of journalist Nasrullah Gadani, who succumbed to injuries after being attacked by gunmen, is yet...
IMF’s unease
Updated 24 May, 2024

IMF’s unease

It is clear that the next phase of economic stabilisation will be very tough for most of the population.
Belated recognition
24 May, 2024

Belated recognition

WITH Wednesday’s announcement by three European states that they intend to recognise Palestine as a state later...
App for GBV survivors
24 May, 2024

App for GBV survivors

GENDER-based violence is caught between two worlds: one sees it as a crime, the other as ‘convention’. The ...