LAHORE: Not happy with National Accountability Bureau Lahore Director General Syed Burhan Ali for naming him in an alleged corruption case, Education and Sports Minister Rana Mashhood Ahmed has asked its (NAB) chief to take action against him for violation of its code of conduct.

Singling out the NAB DG while reacting to his ‘media trial’, Rana Mashhood has also demanded an apology from the bureau failing which he will initiate legal action against him.

The NAB had recently announced launching investigation against Rana Mashhood in a video scandal in which he is allegedly shown negotiating with Asim Malik, the owner of visa consultancy firm Future Concern, about payment of money for party (PML-N) funds. It also said it would probe corruption in the Punjab Youth Festival 2014 and entries of ‘fake records’ in the Guinness Book of World Records.

In a letter to NAB chairman Qamar Zaman Chaudhry, Rana Mashhood said: “Syed Burhan Ali has transgressed his authority and misused the name of NAB in clear-cut violation of the NAB code of conduct,” Mashhood said, pinpointing that the TV channels on his (DG’s) statement started declaring him a corrupt person which had not only tarnished his reputation but had also “excruciating effect” on goodwill and honour of his family.

Seeks apology from bureau

“The DG has no authority to comment on any matter publicly which is under inquiry or investigation as per the National Accountability Ordinance, 1999. The statement given by him seems to personify his image in public. His actions are liable to be taken to task as his statements which are not warranted by NAB laws and are liable to be treated as defamation as per NAB Law and Defamation Ordinance 2002,” he said.

Mashhood said the NAB’s work was often sensitive and required confidentiality. “The very sensitivity of the NAB’s activities makes it of interest to the community, and in particular, the media. The unauthorised or improper release of information to the media may have the effect of compromising an investigation, adversely and unnecessarily affecting the reputation of individuals, or undermining public confidence in NAB.”

Mashhood demanded that the NAB chief send him the complaint which the DG had alleged to receive, a copy of document granting him permission to give public statements, take action against him for misusing his authority and NAB should apologise for the act of Mr Burhan Ali for violating the NAB laws through a public statement within 15 days otherwise he has a right to initiate legal action against the official.

He said he was willing to join any investigation.

The NAB chose not to comment over this issue at this stage when Dawn contacted its official concerned.

Published in Dawn, September 21st, 2015

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