Shibli Faraz condemns Bilawal’s call for closure of NAB

ISLAMABAD: Minister for Information and Broadcasting Senator Shibli Faraz has condemned Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari’s call for the closure of National Accountability Bureau (NAB).

The information minister in response to the press conference of PPP chief alleged that the call was meant to give them free hand to loot people.

He said that Prime Minister Imran Khan and his government are firmly committed to the freedom of media, the betterment of journalists and the provision of a conducive environment.

The information minister said that the government will continue to strive for the promotion of independent and responsible journalism. “We all express best wishes over journalist Matiullah Jan’s safe return,” he added.

Pakistan Peoples Party Chairperson Bilawal Bhutto has said the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) should be closed down after its performance was assailed by the Supreme Court.

Addressing media in Sukkur, the PPP chairperson said the federal government is blackmailing the NAB and its chairperson, and the anti-graft watchdog should be shut down.

“NAB law is a black law used for political engineering After the Supreme Court’s remarks, there is no moral authority for NAB to remain,” he said.

He said the NAB was only being used against political opponents, while the government was being involved in corruption to run its affairs. He called on all political parties to develop legislation for indiscriminate and across the board accountability.

“NAB is not taking action against the government’s mega corruption. The selected government has been putting people’s lives at risk,” he added. He called for the release of all ‘political prisoners’ including PPP leaders Khurshid Shah and said NAB should end political interference.

He said Punjab was the largest province but incompetent people are running the affairs. He said the even PTI members have admitted that there was corruption in Punjab.

“The government has destroyed agriculture in Punjab. They have no moral authority to remain in power,” he said, adding that the farmers were facing a crisis but the government remains indifferent.