National Accountability Bureau (NAB) on Tuesday dispelled the impression that the bureau chairman would be removed from his service upon the formation of Nawaz Sharif’s government.
According to details, a NAB spokesman dispelled speculations relating to the chairman’s appointment and said that such rumors were baseless and sponsored by vested interests to derail smooth transition of the new democratically elected regime.
“The present chairman’s appointment was done and is governed by a statutory and constitutional framework that cannot be violated by exercise of discretion, or on behest of interest that do not want a robust anti corruption regime to succeed. NAB is a state institution and not a government department”, the spokesman said.
He went on to add that Bokhari had been the appointee of Nawaz Sharif and as NAB chief his conduct had been entirely above board in difficult circumstances. He said that Bokhari had a four-year statutory appointment and could not be removed except in the manner specified for the Supreme Court judges. Hype and speculation in a section of the media about his removal should be avoided.
He said the bureau would present an immediate and long term action plan to the new government for ownership and full support in its anti-corruption efforts.
He further said NAB was determined to follow the new government’s declared intent of zero tolerance for corruption, and full promotion of good governance.