Inquiry against ex-minister ordered in land case

• NAB chief suspends a deputy director in Lahore

ISLAMABAD: National Accountability Bureau (NAB) Chairman Javed Iqbal on Monday ordered an inquiry against former minister Sadiq Umrani for purchasing five acres of disputed land of the Balochistan Clerks Association on low price.

Taking notice, he ordered NAB Balochistan director general to probe the matter. The chairman said that the entire nation was united against corruption and the bureau was trying its best to come up to expectations of people regarding the elimination of corruption. “Our sincere efforts against corruption will continue,” he said.

The NAB chief also suspended NAB Lahore deputy director with immediate effect on the charges of inefficiency and negligence in the performance of the official duties. An inquiry had been ordered for completion of all formalities including opportunity given to the official to defend charges against him as per law.

Moreover, a formal inquiry has been started against a deputy director in Sukkur who was suspended on the direction of the NAB chairman for three months on the charges of misconduct. NAB had also proceeded against its 85 employees.

Out of these, 23 staffers were awarded a major penalty of removal from service, 32 officers/officials were awarded a minor penalty. The NAB chairman said that self-accountability was necessary towards the adoption of the ‘accountability for all.’ He said that the NAB absolutely committed for the eradication of corruption from across the board.