LAHORE -  No representative of Punjab government appeared before National Accountability Bureau (NAB) on Wednesday to present record of embezzlement worth Rs. 80 billion in 56 companies.

A NAB officer seeking anonymity told The Nation, “Though we have sought detailed record of 56 companies from secretary industries but time has not been fixed for the purpose”. He said that as per Bureau’s information number of companies was 64 instead of 56 and there were three to four companies directly headed by Punjab chief minister.

NAB chairman had directed provincial headquarters of the Punjab Bureau to collect details of the companies allegedly involved in corruption on which DG NAB Lahore wrote a letter to the Punjab government showing concerns over the alleged mega corruption up to Rs80 billion in the companies.  In an official communication, dated 21st November, secretary industries has directed DG industries and the registrar to appear beforeNAB Lahore’s assistant director along with the required information about the companies by November 22 (yesterday). But, on contact, spokesman for the Bureau said that no one from Punjab government appeared on Wednesday nor any date was fixed for the purpose.

NAB has asked Punjab government to provide detailed record of the companies including the profile of chief operating officers (CEOs), salary, service structure of other key position holders of the companies was also demanded from the departments.

Among other details included a total financial outlay of the company, whether it was audited or not, if yes the last date of the audit.

Details like whether the company was registered under Companies Ordinance 1984 or Companies Act 2017, grant of the loan from the Finance Department, CEO status whether he was a civil servant or a private person, his date of appointment and his per month perks. Other information sought by the CS office included under which department the company was established, nature of the charge with the CEO i.e. substantial or additional, mode of appointment by transfer or through competitive selection process, his BPS, tenure of the appointment, extension if any, his performance and whether terms and conditions got settled by the S&GAD or not.