Pak NAB to withdraw 507 corruption cases

The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) is planning to withdraw almost 507 cases of corruption, worth millions of dollars, against various politicians, government servants, businessmen, and ex-armed forces officers.

Islamabad, Oct 6 : The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) is planning to withdraw almost 507 cases of corruption, worth millions of dollars, against various politicians, government servants, businessmen, and ex-armed forces officers.

The decision to withdraw cases came after the promulgation of the National Reconciliation Ordinance granting amnesty to all politicians, bankers and bureaucrats from all charges relating to misdemeanours, misconduct and misuse of power between 1985 and 2007.

The ordinance would apply to all those against whom such allegations are outstanding in courts of law and who have not been convicted.

Sources said that the amnesty, which pardons corruption during 1985 to 1999, would likely benefit several important politicians and former government servants, including sitting Interior Minister Aftab Sherpao, Water And Power Minister Liaqat Jatoi, former Communication Minister Azam Khan Hoti and former senator from NWFP Javed Iqbal Abasi.

Sources said that the NAB had filed almost 1,190 cases in the courts, out of which the decisions of 683 cases were reached with 465 people being convicted and 126 getting acquitted, the Daily Times reported.

They said NAB Investigation Officers across the country have also been ordered to file details of the cases pending with them from the time frame specified at NAB headquarters.

ANI