SC directs Punjab govt to provide record of 56 companies to NAB

• CJP also ordered govt to submit detailed report about establishment of companies by next hearing
• Orders PHC to seal clinics of quacks across province

LAHORE: Supreme Court (SC) on Saturday directed the government of Punjab to provide the required record of the 56 companies alleged of corruption to National Accountability Bureau (NAB) by Sunday.

A two-member Bench of the top court headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Mian Saqib Nisar heard a suo motu case pertaining to the alleged corruption worth Rs 80 billion in the 56 government-owned companies of Punjab.

During the proceedings at the Lahore registry, SC directed all relevant officials of Punjab government to provide required record to the anti-graft body by Sunday.

Punjab Advocate General Shakilur Rehman requested the court to give more time, but CJP rejected his plea and directed him to furnish a detailed report regarding the establishment of these companies by the next hearing.

“This is not NAB where you do not present record, it is Supreme Court so you better come up with the record at any cost,”CJP remarked.

“Elections are approaching and who will be answerable if the government is gone,” he added.

“How many officers were appointed with these companies and what are their salaries?” CJP asked the chief secretary.

The SC bench then adjourned the hearing until April 14.

The Punjab government had constituted 56 companies under the Article-42 of the Companies Ordinance 1984 as the Punjab chief minister was inspired by the Turkish model and therefore summoned analysts from the same. Last year, media reports had claimed corruption worth Rs 80 billion in these government-owned companies.

However, the AGP spokesperson had said that the record of all the companies has been obtained and there was no reality in rumours.

Meanwhile, while hearing another case on the poor conditions of hospitals in Punjab, the court directed the provincial health department to submit an implementation report regarding the provision of clean drinking water in hospitals within one month.

PHC ORDERED TO SEAL CLINICS OF QUACKS:

SC also ordered Punjab Healthcare Commission (PHC) to seal illegal clinics of quacks across Punjab. The court asked all the authorities to act in aid of the commission for the purpose. The court further held that it would only hear appeals against the actions of PHC actions.

The bench comprising CJP and Justice Ijazul Ahsan passed the orders while hearing a suo motu notice regarding illegal quackery business.

Earlier, PHC CEO Muhammad Ajmal Khan apprised the court about various initiatives taken to curb the menace.

He informed that more than 80,000 quacks were working in the province whereas the PHC took action against 8,500 quacks so far.

He also briefed the court about various difficulties faced besides lacunas in sealing illegal clinics.

Pakistan Medical Association and Young Doctors representatives also apprised the bench about quackery practices in the province.