ISLAMABAD: Following the significant Supreme Court verdict that led to the reopening of multi-billion rupee graft cases, the leading anti-corruption agency has decided to enlist the aid of intelligence agency officers in investigating these high-profile corruption cases, as revealed on Thursday.
The government, with approval from National Accountability Bureau (NAB) Chairman Lt Gen (retd) Nazir Ahmed Butt, has written to sensitive institutions regarding the appointment of intelligence agency officers on deputation to key positions for inquiries. These officers are set to begin their roles shortly, serving at their existing scale and salaries.
All vacant positions within NAB will be swiftly filled, including the appointment of a deputy chairman and prosecutor general. This move aims to enhance the efficiency of NAB by integrating spy agency officers into its ranks and establishing a robust intelligence system. The decision is driven by the goal of expediting and enhancing the effectiveness of accountability processes, with these officers providing assistance to NAB’s investigation teams.
This initiative follows NAB’s submission of corruption references to an Islamabad accountability court, in compliance with the Supreme Court’s directive to reopen graft cases against public officials. Furthermore, accountability Judge Muhammad Bashir has directed a review of the cases’ records, highlighting the distinctions in cases involving private individuals, public office holders, and government employees.
Supreme Court Revives Corruption Cases
The Supreme Court’s recent 2-1 verdict in favor of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan’s petition led to the restoration of corruption cases against various political figures, including former prime ministers, a former president, and other prominent politicians. Among those facing reinvestigation are Nawaz Sharif, Yousuf Raza Gillani, Raja Pervez Ashraf, Shehbaz Sharif, Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, Asif Ali Zardari, and former chief ministers.
Cases previously closed, such as the fake accounts case against Zardari and the rental power plants case against Ashraf, will be reopened. Additionally, investigations will be relaunched into the Toshakhana vehicles cases involving Zardari, Nawaz, and Gillani, along with several other politicians facing allegations of amassing assets beyond known sources of income, including Murad Ali Shah, Miftah Ismail, and Ishaq Dar.
