ISLAMABAD: After carrying out an investigation, the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) has concluded that Muhammad Raziq Sanjrani, brother of Senate Chairman Sadiq Sanjrani, was illegally appointed managing director of Saindak Metals Limited (SML) in 2008.

A document available with Dawn shows that Mr Sanjrani was appointed head of the SML on the recommendations of Balochistan’s former chief minister Nawab Aslam Raisani. The bureau also revealed that former prime minister Yousuf Raza Gilani was complicit in the illegal appointment of Raziq Sanjrani.

Coincidentally, Mr Raziq was appointed SML managing director during the period when his brother, the Senate chairman, was heading the prime minister’s complaint cell — where he served for five years from 2008 to 2013.

The document said Raziq Sanjrani was appointed in violation of the procedure explained in articles of association and Executive Service Rules 1992 of the SML.

The former chief minister of Balochistan and other individuals accused in the case were summoned by the Rawalpindi NAB on March 27, but they did not come. Their failure to attend legal proceedings means they could face penal consequences prescribed under the National Accountability Ordinance (NAO) 1999, according to the accountability watchdog.

Former prime minister Gilani could also be in hot water in the coming days as NAB has expedited investigations to scrutinise his role in the appointment of Raziq Sanjrani. The bureau has also decided to summon Mr Gilani for initial questioning soon.

It has been reported that Raziq Sanjrani was appointed SML chief by a committee in violation of executive services rules of the company. Members of the committee included minister in charge Dr Asim Hussain, a senior PPP leader who was heading the committee, the secretary and joint secretary of the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Resources.

NAB believes that the appointment of Raziq Sanjrani was illegal as he was not qualified for the job. He had no experience of mines and minerals and was only 24 years of age.

In a fresh decision on Monday, the accountability bureau also ordered an inquiry against former Balochistan minister Sadiq Umrani.

Another inquiry was ordered against Khyber Pakhtunkhwa NAB deputy director Yawar Hussain Bangash for alleged corruption.

Published in Dawn, April 24th, 2018