ISLAMABAD, Nov 2: National Accountability Bureau (NAB) chairman Deedar Hussain Shah visited the bureau’s regional headquarters in Rawalpindi on Tuesday, which some analysts believe is an indication that he is exercising his full authority, thereby rejecting claims that his appointment to the post was wrong.

“Work hard without any fear, pressure or prejudice to uproot corruption from the society and for the betterment of the masses,” Mr Shah told officials at the regional office.

Mr Shah’s appointment became rather controversial after it was challenged in the Supreme Court by Leader of Opposition in National Assembly Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan and a lawyer. The two petitions said that Mr Shah’s appointment was in violation of NAB ordinance.

The Opposition claimed that Mr Shah had some affiliation with the ruling PPP.

Although it was denied by the NAB’s spokesman, there were some media reports that Mr Shah had delegated his powers to Deputy Chairman Javed Qazi after his appointment was challenged in the apex court.

Analysts believe that the NAB chairman’s visit to regional headquarters was a clear indication that the government has no intention to remove him.