PESHAWAR: Chief Minister Pervez Khattak appeared before National Accountability Bureau here on Wednesday, following a summon in connection with initial inquiries regarding lease of vast piece of forest land at Malam Jabba and allegedly misuse of helicopter of the provincial government.

A source said that chief minister was summoned on the complaints that he allegedly leased out forest land to private companies in the scenic Malam Jabba, Swat in violation of relevant rules.

He said that that NAB also initiated inquiry into the complaints regarding use of official helicopter of provincial government by PTI chief Imran Khan.

He was given seven to 10 days for answering the NAB’s questions.

The chief minister told journalists on the occasion that his party always stressed the need for accountability and he welcomed the inquiries against him. He said that he did not consider the decisions taken by NAB as victimisation.

Mr Khattak also answered several queries on the occasion and said that he visited the NAB office without protocol and believed in rule of law. In routine, he said, his convoy consisted of four vehicles including one jammer, one DSP and one SP.

He said that he would answer the questionnaire given to him by the NAB authorities.

He added that there were no SOPs for use of the helicopter as it had been used by ministers and officials in the past also.

Regarding the announcement of Jamaat-i-Islami regarding parting ways with the provincial government, Mr Khattak said that he had no knowledge of it. About the caretaker setup and provincial budget, he said that discussion with the opposition parties was in progress in that regard.

He said that budget would be presented if government and opposition both agreed otherwise it would not be presented.

Published in Dawn, April 26th, 2018