A constitutional petition was filed against National Accountability Bureau (NAB) Chairman Justice (r) Javed Iqbal in the Supreme Court on Saturday.
The petition, filed by Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz leader Noor Ahmed Awan, stated that the anti-corruption watchdog had released a press statement on May 8, which stated that former prime minister Nawaz Sharif was involved in transferring money to India. On May 8, the NAB had issued a press release stating that it would probe alleged laundering of $4.9 billion to India by Nawaz and others. The press release mentioned that the information was taken from the Migration and Remittance Book 2016. However, the State Bank of Pakistan had rejected this information on September 21, 2016, the petition noted. The petition further stated that the sole purpose of the press release was to malign Nawaz Sharif. “The press release has raised questions pertaining to institute’s integrity,” it added. Orders should be given to investigating the move to issue the press release, the petition said, adding that the NAB chairman should also submit an unconditional apology.
The petition also sought removal of NAB chief from his post.
On Thursday, former premier Nawaz had demanded the NAB chairman to present proof of money-laundering against him within 24 hours or step down. “If you fail to present evidence, then you should publicly apologise to the nation and resign,” he demanded further.
Published in Daily Times, May 13th 2018.
