ISLAMABAD: On Friday, the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) provided clarification that the inquiry initiated against the caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar regarding his assets was closed based on a comprehensive investigation and due to the absence of substantial evidence.
The clarification emerged hours after a three-member Supreme Court bench issued a 2-1 majority verdict. This verdict ordered the reinstatement of corruption cases against public officials. These cases had been withdrawn following amendments to the NAB laws.
NAB authorities have stated that they could not substantiate the charges against the current interim prime minister. This inability stemmed from a lack of concrete evidence documented during the investigation. They emphasized that the complaint against the caretaker PM was unrelated to the NAB amendments.
NAB sources have indicated that the anti-corruption agency launched an inquiry into PM Kakar’s assets in Quetta. However, their inability to substantiate the allegations led to the inquiry being dropped based on merit.
Well-informed sources also indicated that this “matter” had been resolved prior to his appointment as the caretaker prime minister.
Landmark Supreme Court Decision: NAB Cases Against Former President And Ex-Prime Ministers Reopened
The Supreme Court, in a 2-1 majority ruling, has nullified several amendments made to the accountability laws, potentially subjecting former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, former President Asif Ali Zardari, and former Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gillani to investigations.
The apex court has reinstated corruption cases against public officeholders. The court had previously closed these cases as a result of these amendments during the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM)-led government.
