LAHORE: Federal Railways Minister Khawaja Saad Rafique on Wednesday stated that even though the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PNL-N) government had worked selflessly for the country’s benefit, some forces were still engaged in efforts to defame politicians.
“We have worked selflessly for the country’s benefit, however some forces are engaging in efforts to malign politicians,” he said while addressing a press conference after appearing before the National Accountability Bureau’s (NAB) Lahore office in relation to a corruption probe into the Paragon housing scheme.
The PML-N leader stated that only two months were left in the government’s tenure and that every department had performed its duties tirelessly.
“Only two months are left for the government to complete its tenure and I can assure that I have made my best efforts to improve the railways department,” the federal minister added.
Advising political leaders to stop name-calling, he said, “It’s not right to call each other thieves”, adding that “The country cannot progress till we accept the law and institutions”.
Commenting on his appearance before the accountability watchdog, Saad Rafique remarked that the slogan for accountability has been chanted for a different purpose.
He stated that he answered all of NAB’s questions and that his stance on NAB has been the same since the first day.
Earlier in the day, a three-member NAB team investigated the federal minister in relation to a corruption probe into a private housing scheme.
NAB Lahore had started investigations into the alleged embezzlement in a private housing scheme reportedly owned by the federal minister and his brother, provincial minister Khawaja Salman Rafique.
The accountability bureau has summoned Rafique’s brother, Khawaja Salman Rafique for questioning on Thursday.
Saad Rafique was originally slated to appear before NAB on March 22. He had sent a letter to the accountability watchdog asking to set another date for questioning as he was busy with official work.
Speaking to a private news outlet, Saad Rafique stated that he had received the NAB summons but could not go because of his ministry’s work.
“I am currently in Islamabad and busy with official work. I have to meet the Chinese ambassador as well,” he said, adding that he has sent a letter to the NAB asking to set another date for questioning.
On March 15, in an official handout, the anti-graft body’s spokesman said that NAB Chairman Justice (r) Javed Iqbal had approved investigation against Khawaja Saad, several PR officials and others for alleged embezzlement in the procurement of modern computer-based interlocking system, generators and other equipment for Rohri-Tando Adam Khan sector.
Earlier, NAB confiscated several laptops and document files during a raid at Paragon City office. The raid was conducted in relation to the ongoing investigation against alleged mega corruption and irregularities in Ashiana Housing Scheme.
The NAB has expanded its investigation of Ashiana Housing scandal and LDA City projects after arresting former Lahore Development Authority (LDA) director general Ahad Cheema and Bismillah Engineering Company’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Shahid Siddique.
