ISLAMABAD - National Accountability Bureau Chairman Justice (r) Javed Iqbal Monday said mobile phone companies were allegedly evading Rs400 billion taxes.
Chairing a meeting to review the performance of NAB headquarters and regional officers, the bureau chief issued directives to read and implement 173 Supreme Court decisions. The meeting reviewed implementation on orders of NAB chairman after his takeover.
“Inquiries or investigations should be within the preview of law. The country has up to $84 billion foreign debt whereas cellular companies allegedly evade around Rs400 billion taxes,” the chairman said.
He was satisfied with three-month NAB performance and said the nation was witnessing a positive change in its working.
He warned no laxity of officials would be tolerated and directed the NAB Lahore DG to conduct verification of complaint against former Pakistan Railways chairman Arif Azeem over alleged corruption in purchase of 58 locomotives costing Rs15.3 million and 40 power vans for Rs4,600 million from a Chinese firm in violation of Public Procurement Regulatory Authority (Pepra) rules , which are not in use due to their poor quality. He sought the report over the issue within two months.
He also directed the Lahore NAB DG to conduct complaint verification against Punjab Higher Education Special Assistant Syed Zaeem Hussain Qadri and others, who allegedly got undue benefits from the Punjab Small Industrial Cooperative Employees Housing Society of Lahore and illegally occupied the land in connivance with the society management. He directed him to submit a report accordingly within two months.
In another case, the chief ordered the NAB Multan chairman to conduct complaint verification against former member of Punjab Assembly Ahmed Hussain Dahar and others for constructing a road and housing colony on private land with official funds by misusing his authority, and making assets beyond known sources and submit a report within two months.
Also, NAB Rawalpindi organised seminars on its fight against corruption in various universities, colleges and schools of Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Jhelum, Chakwal and Attock.
NAB under its chairman is committed to eradicating corruption by insuring accountability for all through effective enforcement and prosecution as well as by raising awareness among general public against effects of corruption. NAB has formalised interaction with youth through setting up of 1,840 character building societies (CBS).
The platform was used to conduct declamation contests, essay writing competition, posters and painting competition to channelize creative energy of youth towards fight against corruption. With reference to Prevention Regime, the NAB held seminars on issues relating to public procurement with the help of Comsats University.
