LAHORE: Former prime minister Raja Pervaiz Ashraf on Saturday questioned the ‘leniency’ with the Sharif family in corruption references made by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB).

Speaking to media persons at the Lahore Judicial Complex, Mr Ashraf complained that his name had been put on the Exit Control List for facing allegations of making low-cadre appointments whereas Nawaz Sharif and members of his family were free to move around the world despite being tried for serious charges of corruption.

Justice should be equal for everyone either Nawaz or anyone, he further said while referring to the arrest of PPP leader Sharjeel Memon by NAB.

He said Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) always respected courts and never obstructed the process of justice.

Mr Ashraf also criticised the Sharif family for appearing before accountability court with ‘royal’ protocol. “I always come to the court alone,” he said.

Answering a question whether the next general election could be delayed, the former premier said the election must be conducted in time for the continuation of democratic process. However, he said, at present practically there was no government in the country and the state institutions were being disregarded by the so-called rulers. He said the country was passing through worst economic instability.

He expressed his ignorance when asked by a journalist whether rumours about technocrat setup in the country were true.

Mr Ashraf had come to the judicial complex to attend proceedings before an accountability court regarding alleged corruption and making illegal appointments in the Gujranwala Electric Supply Company (Gepco) during his stint as minister for water and power. The court adjourned hearing as prosecution witnesses did not appear for cross examination.

Published in Dawn, October 29th, 2017