NAB files Nandipur project reference without EBM approval: Baber tells court

F.P. Report

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tehreek e Insaf (PTI)’s leader Dr. Baber Awan Thursday pleaded before the Accountability Court (AC) that National Accountability Bureau (NAB) had filed the Nandipur Power project without the approval of Executive Board Meeting (EBM).

AC Judge Arshad Malik conducted hearing on Awan’s plea seeking his acquittal in Nandipur power project reference.

Baber Awan contended before the court that the NAB had filed the reference without EBM which was against the law.

On a query of the judge, the NAB prosecutor informed the court that Chairman NAB had given approval for this and his signature exist on the document.

Awan asked the NAB official that where was the approval of EBM.

At this, NAB prosecutor said that the investigation officer of the case would apprise the court about the matter.

Baber Awan stated that the Finance Ministry was authorized to give basic approval of the project, adding that the Law Ministry could give only the legal opinion on it.

He said that he had refused to approve the summary of Law Ministry before assuming the charge of Law Minister but surprisingly the IO alleged him for not having clean hands in the matter.

The court, however, adjourned hearing of the case till February 11.