The chief justice of Pakistan (CJP) on Monday ordered National Accountability Bureau (NAB) Chairman retired Justice Javed Iqbal to answer for the publicity of summons issued to people in inquiries being carried out by the anti-corruption watchdog.

CJP Mian Saqib Nisar also ordered Iqbal to appear, along with NAB Prosecutor General Asghar Haider, in his chamber on Aug 27.

Justice Nisar, while hearing a case on the payment of high salaries to Punjab government officials appointed as heads of 56 public-sector private companies, said: "NAB has no right to slander people."

"The summoning of people should be private," he asserted, adding: "The reputation of a person who is found innocent in an inquiry will be ruined in society [due to news reports that he has been summoned by NAB]."

Justice Ijazul Ahsan also regretted that "news [of people summoned by NAB] breaks before they get their notice". He added that there were "black sheep" in NAB.

The CJP insisted that "action be taken against any investigation officer who is found guilty of sharing information".

The NAB prosecutor assured the bench that the anti-graft body had initiated an accountability drive within the organisation.

Employees ready to return salaries

According to a report submitted by the NAB prosecutor today, 54 officials had withdrawn a total of Rs520,074,000 in salaries.

The NAB prosecutor told the court that at least 34 officials who received high salaries were ready to return the money.

The apex court ordered all officials who had withdrawn market-based salaries in addition to their regular pay, to return the extra money within three months.

Opinion

Editorial

Kurram atrocity
Updated 22 Nov, 2024

Kurram atrocity

It would be a monumental mistake for the state to continue ignoring the violence in Kurram.
Persistent grip
22 Nov, 2024

Persistent grip

PAKISTAN has now registered 50 polio cases this year. We all saw it coming and yet there was nothing we could do to...
Green transport
22 Nov, 2024

Green transport

THE government has taken a commendable step by announcing a New Energy Vehicle policy aiming to ensure that by 2030,...
Military option
Updated 21 Nov, 2024

Military option

While restoring peace is essential, addressing Balochistan’s socioeconomic deprivation is equally important.
HIV/AIDS disaster
21 Nov, 2024

HIV/AIDS disaster

A TORTUROUS sense of déjà vu is attached to the latest health fiasco at Multan’s Nishtar Hospital. The largest...
Dubious pardon
21 Nov, 2024

Dubious pardon

IT is disturbing how a crime as grave as custodial death has culminated in an out-of-court ‘settlement’. The...