Corruption: Action against Sindh politicians, officials on the cards

ISLAMABAD: The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) has intensified its investigation against alleged corruption, illegal allotment of land, China-cutting and misuse of authority by Sindh officials and politicians, and some major developments are expected in this regard soon.

According to credible sources, NAB has found solid and credible evidence against ex-federal minister for petroleum Dr Asim Hussain for alleged corruption in the energy sector, the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) and also about his involvement in China cutting.

According to sources, the Joint Investigation Team of the NAB and Rangers probing the allegations against Dr Asim has also got solid evidence of corruption and corrupt practices against the top political leaders of the PPP, Sindh, and bureaucrats and initiated investigations against them.

Top official sources in Islamabad told The News that the JIT had tightened the noose around Dr Asim Hussain and his associates and at the time of his production in the courts, after the expiry of 90-day judicial remand, it will have credible and solid evidence.

Sources said the authorities were set to take legal action against a prominent political figure of PPP Sindh, who was a member of the Sindh cabinet. It may be mentioned here that investigations were being carried out against ex-Sindh Minister for Education Pir Mazharul Haq for illegally appointing hundreds of teachers.

Besides, the NAB is also processing a complaint against Munawar Ali Talpur, who is the brother-in-law of former president and Co-chairman PPP Asif Ali Zardari, and also against the Chief Secretary Sindh Siddique Memon with regard to making illegal appointments in the provincial departments.

Sharing developments in the ongoing investigation against Dr Asim, sources said the NAB had gained solid evidence against him for his alleged involvement in China cutting of plots, giving permission to several private medical and dental colleges and approving licenses for CNG stations beside issuing illegal directives and misusing his authority.

In this regard, the NAB Karachi had raided the PMDC headquarters in Islamabad and taken away important documents. The JIT is investigating on the basis of information received from Dr Asim and action would be taken against high-profile political personalities from Sindh soon.

Investigations into the escape of DG Karachi Building Control Authority Manzoor Kaka and some of his close aides have also been expedited. Another main character of the China cutting of plots in Karachi Shahzar Shamoon has also escaped abroad.—Published in The News