SC unhappy with NAB report on inquiries against officials

ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court (SC) on Thursday expressed dissatisfaction with the report of National Accountability Bureau (NAB) pertaining to the pending inquiries, investigation and the references filed against NAB officials involved in felonious activities.
A two-member bench of the apex court comprising Justice Jawwad S Khawaja and Justice Iqbal Hameed ur Rehman heard various applications against the NAB officials.The court expressed dissatisfaction with the NAB report and summoned today (Friday) Prosecutor General of the anti-graft body.
Earlier, on March 27, the court directed the NAB to submit statistical data both quantitative and qualitative regarding the delinquent officers since 2010. The court after expressing concern over the appalling state of affairs within the NAB had ordered for submitting a comprehensive report by April 2.
On Thursday, the court however, expressed dissatisfaction with the NAB report and observed that the data given in the report was perfunctory as it did not contain the relevant data including the amount, persons involved, inquiries, investigations and the cases concluded on what basis.
The court further observed that it also did not contain that the persons against whom the reference was filed were acquitted or convicted by the Accountability Court. The court noted that full facts were deliberately concealed.During the hearing, the court also granted interim bail to two persons, Asghar Awan and Manzoor Ahmad.
Counsel for Asghar Awan submitted before the court that an inquiry was initiated against his client and it progressed to investigation but no reference was filed. He said that the Accountability Court passed an order that the senior officer of NAB confirmed to it that there was no likelihood of reference therefore there was no need to further extend the judicial remand.
He further informed the court that even though there is no court order to remand the man in judicial or NAB custody but his client is still behind the bar. He further informed that even the amount due to the petitioner was not given and his personal and families bank accounts were seized by the NAB.
The court directed that the NAB Deputy Prosecutor should ensure the presence of investigation officer of the case on the next date of hearing.The court observed that in view of the Article 9 of Constitution it is absolutely clear that no person could be deprived of his liberty.
“If the NAB officials remain in jail for 8 to 9 months, they would know the importance of liberty”, Justice Jawwad S Khawaja remarked.Meanwhile, NAB Deputy Prosecutor General Azam Khan informed that since 2010 total 589 references were filed, 744 inquiries and 128 investigations were conducted.
Justice Jawwad S Khawaja inquired from deputy prosecutor general as to how many cases were initiated in accordance with 31A of National Accountability Ordinance.Meanwhile, the court summoned NAB prosecutor general for today (Friday) and adjourned the hearing.