Ashiana Housing scam: PM’s principal secretary to appear before NAB today

LAHORE: Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi’s Principal Secretary Fawad Hassan Fawad is expected to appear before the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) today in relation to the ongoing probe into the Ashiana Housing Scheme.

NAB has directed Fawad to appear before its combined investigation team (CIT) at its Lahore office to document his statement with regard to his alleged involvement in awarding a contract to a firm in violation of rules in the housing scheme.

Earlier, LDA Chief Engineer Israr Saeed submitted financial records related to the Ashiana-e-Iqbal Housing Scheme before the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) on February 6.

Punjab Chief Minister Shehbaz Sharif appeared before NAB on January 22 in connection with the Ashiana Housing Scheme inquiry.

The bureau has been conducting an inquiry against the officials of the Punjab Land Development Company (PLDC), Lahore Casa Developers, Lahore Development Authority and others, said a notification issued by NAB Lahore.

The aim of the Ashiana housing scheme – an initiative of the Punjab government, was to provide economical and adequate residential facilities to the people with low-incomes and the government had invested Rs2 billion while acquiring 672 kanals of land in the Muloani Harlan area near Darbar Baba Noor Shah.