Cabinet mulls steps to rein NAB actions against bureaucrats, businessmen

ISLAMABAD (92 News) – The federal cabinet formed a committee on suggestions to stop National Accountability Bureau (NAB) actions against the bureaucrats and businessmen, said Adviser to Prime Minister on Information Firdous Ashiq Awan. Talking to the journalists, the adviser said that the federal cabinet directed the authorities to review the NAB laws regarding businessmen and bureaucrats. She also said that the cabinet has decided to make some procedural changes in the working of the anti-graft watchdog body to provide “fearless” environment for business activities and investment for the revival of crippling economy. “In the light of complaints of business community against NAB, the federal cabinet discussed how the practice of arm-twisting and threatening of businessmen by some NAB officials can be thwarted,” she maintained. She said the federal cabinet observed that business activities had stopped and the economy had crippled due to the fear of NAB. “It has been informed in a series of meetings, chaired by the prime minister, that local and foreign investment has come to a halt and bureaucrats are not signing files and have stopped decision making due to the fear of NAB.” Firdous Ashiq Awan said the cabinet in its next meeting would come up with concrete steps to end the practice of arm-twisting and threatening by NAB officials. On the other hand, the federal cabinet also discussed in detail the Kashmir issue and the situation in the region. Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi briefed the cabinet about the situation in Kashmir. According to the sources, the prime minister took the cabinet into confidence regarding his discussion with the world leaders. The meeting decided that Pakistan will not leave the Kashmiris alone during this time. “Pakistan will continue moral and diplomatic support to the Kashmiris,” it decided. The forum lauded the steps taken by Prime Minister Imran Khan, saying such effective stance has not been presented before. It was also informed about the results through the United Nations Security Council meeting.