ISLAMABAD: Senate Deputy Chairman Saleem Mandviwalla has called upon the Senate to ‘do something’ about the National Accountability Bureau (NAB), as it was getting out of control and misusing power.
Speaking during a Senate session requisitioned by the opposition, he pointed out that NAB has turned into an institution which is “beyond anyone’s control,” therefore, the Senate and the Parliament should seek a solution to end this misuse of power.
“The NAB is committing human rights violations and damaging people’s respect,” he said, demanding an inquiry into the body’s assets and the degrees and induction process of its officials.
Mandviwalla said that whenever the country’s anti-graft watchdog decides to launch an investigation into anyone’s businesses, it first releases the information to media outlets to defame people and initiates the probe later.
He highlighted that he had written a letter to the NAB chairman 2.5 years ago, which stated that the anti-corruption body should contact the offices of senators before summoning them, registering cases against them or arresting them.
“The NAB chairman replied saying that it was correct and they would follow it. Despite this, some interesting things happened,” he added. Then Mandviwalla mentioned Senator Rubina Khalid who he said was being called by NAB in inquiries pertaining to contracts signed by her deceased husband.
He also revealed that PPP senator Sherry Rehman’s ex-husband was forced by NAB to record a statement under section 164 of the Code of Criminal Procedure with reference to section 145 of Evidence Act.
“Is NAB above the law? I suggest there should be an investigation into the assets of NAB’s personnel. Their degrees and domiciles should also be checked,” Mandviwalla stressed.
“We do this for every institution. What fear is this that NAB should not be investigated? I request that this issue be addressed, referred to the relevant committees, and a solution be found,” he concluded.
