KARACHI, July 24: Chief of the National Accountability Bureau Lt-Gen Muneer Hafeez has said that the NAB is performing its functions independently without any political pressure and its working at all stages is transparent.

Gen Hafeez, who was the guest speaker at "Meet-the-press programme" of Karachi Press Club on Saturday, highlighted the NAB process briefly, and said the NAB since its establishment in 1999 had recovered Rs 200 billion plundered money.

Responding to questions, he dispelled the impression that opposition leaders were being targeted.

"We abide by the rules. We have not targeted any person on political grounds. We are conducting inquiries against ministers, including officials of grade-22, and have filed references in accountability courts. We have not withdrawn any case as nobody is above board."

He said if someone was convicted, the election commission would not allow him to contest the election, but if someone was facing cases and the law allowed him, he could contest.

Gen Hafeez said: "We also want trial of cases at the earliest but it is the court which has to decide the cases.

When asked if the NAB was competent to take action against army officers involved in corruption, Gen Hafeez said that those army officials who were performing duties in miniseries and public corporations, they were accountable according to the law but those performing operational duties on borders were out of NAB jurisdiction.

"Asif Zardari was convicted for seven years by the court in one case and his term started from the date the judgement was pronounced while other cases were court matters. We are working under the accountability ordinance and could not issue any instruction for an expeditious trial as NAB had no jurisdiction in this matter.

Asked what was the check on the NAB officials involved in corruption, Gen Hafeez said there was a vigilance wing which keeps an eye on officers, and if any one had any knowledge about involvement of any NAB official in corruption, and if its proof is available, the NAB would certainly take an action against the official.

He said the NAB was against blocking promotions to the officials who were under investigation as no one should be stopped from posting and promotion until the official was proved guilty as the money could be recovered from him after his conviction.

Regarding release of convicted persons on parole like Yunous Habib and ex-deputy director FIA Mohammad Sharif, he said he had expressed his concern over the situation.

He said the NAB had also made recommendations to raise the pay of functionaries to the extent that they could live a respectable life.