Wattoo appears before NAB in power abuse inquiry

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LAHORE: Former federal minister Mian Manzoor Wattoo on Monday appeared before the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) in an inquiry related to power abuse during his term in government.

Wattoo served as federal minister of industries and production in 2008.

According to reports, the former minister submitted his reply on the questionnaire given to him by the anti-graft watchdog at the last appearance.

Talking to reporters after appearing before the accountability bureau on May 10, Wattoo said that he showed up before the NAB after being summoned for an inquiry over alleged illegal appointments in Utility Corporations of Pakistan.

Responding to allegations leveled against him, he said the jobs were awarded in the light of the federal cabinet’s decision in 2008.

“It was decided to open 1,500 stores and generate 3,500 jobs,” he said.

On March 7, the NAB had launched an inquiry of power abuse against Manzoor Wattoo.

According to sources, Wattoo showered favors to friends and favorites during his ministerial term with illegal postings and recruitment.

He had illegally hired over 400 employees in the corporation, according to reports.

Wattoo had served as federal minister for Industries and Production in the PPP government of prime minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani.