LAHORE: The Punjab government has welcomed the National Accountability Bureau’s decision to launch a probe into affairs of the 56 public sector companies, saying it will provide every document the bureau needs.

“Since all matters of the companies are transparent and open to verification, the provincial government will itself provide each and every document to NAB,” Punjab government spokesman Malik Ahmad Khan said.

Talking to Dawn here on Sunday, the spokesman said the companies had been set up on public-private partnership for better and effective delivery. “This is the best model which the world is following nowadays.”

Citing an example [of effectiveness of such firms], he said Rs2.5 billion had been saved in Bhikhi power project alone that was completed in record time.

“If there is a question of any irregularity and misappropriation of funds it cannot be equated with corruption. These companies have internal and external auditors and the audit can be carried out through Auditor General of Pakistan,” he said.

Rejecting the claims that a number of government officials were hired [in these firms] on high perks and privileges, Malik Ahmad said: “This is a wrong claim. Only seven heads of 56 firms hail from the government as they had been selected for their competence. They had competed for the slot and helped save many millions on different projects.”

On Saturday, NAB Chairman retired Justice Javed Iqbal ordered the NAB Lahore head to hold an inquiry into the alleged irregularities, recruitment in violation of procurement rules and merit, nepotism, non-completion of various projects on time, lack of performance and regular audit and non-transparent procedure for tendering in these firms. The companies, however, have not been stopped from working till enough evidence [of their alleged wrongdoings] was gathered.

Published in Dawn, November 20th, 2017