Former DG LDA’s arrest not against law: NAB

ISLAMABAD: The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) on Thursday said the arrest of former Lahore Development Authority (LDA) Director General Ahad Cheema was not a breach of his basic human or constitutional rights as the law authorises it to inquire, investigate and collect evidence of corruption charges against anyone without any discrimination.

The NAB spokesman, while explaining the NAB position, stated that NAB is mandated to eradicate corruption from the country under the NAO, and a person enjoying whatever position could never impress upon NAB and could not impede/ frustrate the course of justice. “The NAB as an institution assures that NAB would never deviate from the law and always work under its mandate,” he said.

He said the NAB policy is based on non-discrimination and upholding self-respect of every accused. “Ahad Cheema had been apprehended as per law after showing arrest warrants, that too with due respect and then he was shifted to the NAB office.

The NAB spokesman said Ahad Cheema had been provided with medicine, food and other essential items as per law, and it may be kept in mind that the honorable court can only judge the veracity of corruption accusations or a person is guilty or innocent. “But apparently Ahad Ahad’s arrest was required by NAB in serious allegations of corruption against him and his role in the corrupt practices.

According to NAB, Ahad Cheema is accused of corruption worth millions of rupees and NAB Ordinance 1999 authorises NAB to inquire into corruption charges and collect evidence as per law.

The NAB spokesman reminded that the case of Ahad Cheema is also subjudice in the court of law and a writ petition had already been filed in the Lahore High Court. “So the merits or demerits of the case of Ahad Cheema could not be discussed or debated,” the NAB spokesman said.