ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: The Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi has said that the government will receive the opposition’s proposals with an open heart to strengthen the National Accountability Bureau (NAB).
In a statement on Monday, the minister dispelled the impression that NAB is used for any revengeful activity, and noted that the bureau is fully independent in its action and investigation.
Qureshi said that the government has presented a proposal regarding an amendment in NAB laws through an Ordinance. He said that the draft Ordinance will be sent to both Houses of the Parliament – National Assembly and Senate – for legislation.
نیب ترمیمی آرڈینس کے حوالے سے وزیر خارجہ شاہ محمود قریشی کا اہم بیان. نیب قوانین میں اصلاحات لانے کا مطالبہ بہت پرانا ہے ۔۔اس مسودے کو قانونی سازی کے لئے پارلیمنٹ کے سامنے رکھا جائے گا ۔@SMQureshiPTI pic.twitter.com/g5y3HRm9VS
— PTV News (@PTVNewsOfficial) December 30, 2019
The foreign minister said that reforms in NAB laws is a long-standing demand, and added that a Special Committee comprising Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) members was formed during the PML-N government as well to reform NAB laws.
Earlier on Sunday while addressing a Press Conference in Islamabad, the Prime Minister’s Special Assistant on Accountability Shehzad Akbar clarified that the NAB Amendment Ordinance 2019 do not change bail or remand laws, and they will continue to act against corrupt elements.
Shahzad Akbar said that matters pertaining to the federal or provincial taxation, levies or imposts will not fall under the ambit of NAB and such cases will be handled by the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR).
Similarly, he added that, the watchdog will not scrutinize any person or entity, or transaction in relation thereto, who or which are not directly or indirectly connected with a holder of public office.
