ISLAMABAD, (SANA): The National Accountability Bureau Chief (NAB) Admiral retired Fasih Bukhari has said that due to corruption, the national treasury is facing a Rs6 billion to Rs8 billion loss per day, adding that joint investigating team (JIT) headed by DG financial crimes, comprising NAB, FIA and police, been formed to probe into Arsalan Iftikhar case.
During his press briefing on Saturday the NAB chairman said that the bureau’s job was to recover the ‘stolen’ money, not prosecute. He however added that if anyone was found guilty, they would be prosecuted.
Fasih Bukhari further said that corruption is the main issue prevalent in the country, adding that our society is as corrupt as the legal system. More than Rs. 6 to Rs. 8 billions corruption occurs in a day in the country, he regretted.
“Till now, NAB has recovered Rs235 billion for the treasury but this is not enough,” said Bukhari, adding that the government has given approval for recruiting 300 new investigators.while probe into many corruption cases is underway.
Referring to the rental power project case, National Accounability Bureau Chief Fasih Bukhari enquired whether the Federal Investigation Authority (FIA) had placed Prime Minister Raja Pervaiz Ashraf’s name on the Exit Control List (ECL) as yet. The chairman also said that the Ashraf was interrogated for 3 hours before he was made the prime minister.
Bukhari told the media that a joint investigation team (JIT) including the FIA, NAB and police among others had been formed for investigating the Arsalan Iftikhar case and will be headed by the NAB director general (DG) Financial Crime Investigation Cell, as per the order of the Supreme Court and the Attorney General’s letter.
Speaking on the issue of conducting an unbiased investigation, the NAB chief said, “It doesn’t matter if we know Malik Riaz or Nawaz Sharif, the investigation will be unbiased.” He also added that he had never taken any money from Malik Riaz.
Referring to Arsalan Ifitikhar’s letter which he sent through his lawyer, the NAB chief said it was insolent through. “The letter is threatening, it uses threatening language, said Bukhari, adding that a notice will be taken in this regard. He said the JIT will present a report after investigation of the Arslan case. JIT will also visit London and the investigation may take some time. He said Arsalan Iftikhar’s lawyer has sent a notice to NAB which contains threats, adding it is also a contempt of court.
Bukhari said that although the Sharif brothers’ case could yield just Rs3 billion and the Swiss letter case, Rs6 billion , adding that complying with the court orders, investigation is also being carried out against Rs. 55 billion corruption in Ogra, Fasih Bukhari said and added that member Ogra Mansoor Muzaffar has been arrested while warrant of former chairman Tauqeer Sadiq has been issued in this case.
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