Don’t mind working for Maryam: PM Abbasi

• Says NAB in dire need of reforms 

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi has said that if the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) wins the next general elections, Punjab Chief Minister and party interim head Shehbaz Sharif would be his candidate for the premiership; however, he has no qualms about working under the leadership of Maryam Nawaz, if the party decides to do so.

In an interview with a private television channel, he said everyone would abide by the decision if the party leadership directs so.

Commenting on the anti-graft watchdog, he said that the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) requires serious reform as it had been promulgated by a dictator to counter the politicians and meet his designs.

He went on to add that though there should be a process for accountability, it must be within the purview of the law and the constitution.

To a question, the PM said the executive is almost paralysed today as the officers are not willing to work. He said the easiest way for a government functionary is to do no work, else they would have to face either court or NAB.

He reiterated his stance for dialogue among the institutions to create an understanding of each other’s functions.

Talking about the arrest of former Lahore Development Authority (LDA) director general Ahad Cheema, he said before arresting him, NAB should have framed charges and held a prior investigation.

PM Abbasi hoped that the laws would be amended to hold the Senate elections through proportional representation in the National Assembly to avoid horse-trading.

To a question about the Financial Action Task Force’s (FATF) decision on Pakistan, the Prime Minister said it does not happen by committing any crime, rather it is an administrative issue. He said the government would manage the situation through the measures required by the UN.