Shehbaz’s release a ‘matter of concern’ for NAB: Fawad

F.P. Report

ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Information, Fawad Chaudhry, said on Thursday that release of Shehbaz Sharif should be a ‘matter of concern’ for the National Accountability Bureau (NAB).

“The bail given to Shehbaz, however, doesn’t prove his innocence”, he said while addressing a press briefing in Islamabad today.

Chaudhry said the NAB should conduct introspection that why its prosecution was failing before the courts and what causing inconclusive results in the cases it had initiated. He suggested the accountability watchdog to challenge the release of Sharif in the top court.

He was of the view that the government cooperated with NAB under the remits of law. “People involved in different cases evade laws and punishment very easily,” said the minister.

Chaudhry reiterated that government was facing political challenge from anyone at the moment.

He opined that ‘the entire nation is disappointed at the bail to Shehbaz Sharif.’ “PTI’s actual fight is against the current system and we have been elected to change this governance model,” he added.

It shouldn’t happen that the rich continue getting bail easily, he stated.

“We have a system where the rich hires a top lawyer, while the poor can’t afford such counsels to plead their cases…and we need to change this system,” he said. He informed that no money was being spent by Pakistan on arrival of Saudi crown prince, who is due to land in Pakistan on Feb 16.

The minister stated that it was not a subject of concern if Saudi Arabia make ties with any country. “If we are receiving foreign guests, then it’s our responsibility to ensure their security.” He said Saudi Arabia will set up oil refinery worth $8 billion.

He termed the upcoming visit of Saudi crown prince ‘an unprecedented in nature’. He underlined that Pakistan achieved numerous successes at the international front.

Responding to a question, he said a crackdown would be launched on misuse of social media.

Chaudhry said Pakistan’s role was being praised for Afghan peace talks. He added that talks with Taliban in connection to Afghan peace process would be held in Pakistan. He informed that the current federal cabinet held 26 meetings and 446  decisions had been taken as yet, while implementation on 243 of the decisions was done.

Regarding decisions taken by the government in its latest cabinet session, he said Adnan Ghani would be the new chairman of Agriculture Development Bank, while Nasir Khan Kashani would be appointed as chairman Gwadar Port.

He said the Cabinet also decided to restructure the board of State Life.