Saturday, April 12, 2008, Rabi-ul-Sani 5,1429    

Relief to be provided to NAB victims : NA told

Islamabad—The government would provide relief to the people who were previously victimized either on political basis or by any other means under the doctrine laws of National Accountability Bureau (NAB).

Minister for Law Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Farooq A. Naik Friday told the National Assembly that on the directives of Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani his ministry is working to repeal the NAB ordinance.

He said this in response to a calling attention notice of MNAs Ch. Abid Sher Ali, Haji Muhammad Akram Ansari, Ch. Muhammad Berjees Tahir regarding conviction of government employees during last few years through NAB on political basis and measures to be taken by the existing government.

The Minister said in the name of NAB ordinance late Benazir Bhutto, Asif Ali Zardari, Yousaf Raza Gillani and many other political leaders were victimized and suffered.

He said different amendments in the NAB ordinance proposed punishment without trial and disqualification of parliamentarians.

Naik said that there are number of cases in the NAB and the Ministry have to segregate the cases of victimization from genuine cases.

He said if any body indicates some specific or instances of victimization the government would definitely provide relief to the victim.

MNA Akram Ansari pointed out that NAB is still taking action despite the Prime Minister has ordered its repeal. The Minister said that the government believes in supremacy of law and constitution and would not allow any more victimization.—APP