KARACHI – Chairman NAB Justice Javed Iqbal visited the Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI), Headquarters, Karachi.
Daroo Khan Achakzai, President Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry and other prominent business community members warmly received Chairman NAB during his visit at FPCCI, Headquarters, Karachi. Brig (r) Farooq Naser Awan, DG NAB Karachi also accompanied the Chairman NAB during his visit to FPCCI, Karachi.
Justice Javed Iqbal while addressing the business community at Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI), Headquarters, Karachi said that NAB always respects the business community as the business community is the backbone of development and prosperity of the country. He said that the business community is playing a pivotal role in the economic prosperity of the country. He said that the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) has constituted a six-member committee to address the reservations of the business community after due diligence in its Executive Board Meeting and resolve their genuine complaints as per law. The Committee has been constituted by using powers conferred under section 33-C of NAB ordinance 1999.
He said that the committee has been tasked to make recommendations about the business community’s issues to chairman NAB. Businessmen committee’s recommendations would be reviewed by a three-member NAB committee comprising of Deputy Chairman NAB, Prosecutor General Accountability NAB, and Director General Operations, NAB.
The NAB committee would review the recommendations of the business committee and forward its final recommendations to chairman NAB. The chairman will issue directives for the resolution of the issues of the business community. The businessmen committee has been also mandated to forward its recommendations directly to chairman NAB for consideration as per law. The Businessmen Committee will comprise of Iftikhar Ali Malik, Vice President SAARC Chamber of Commerce and Industry; Daro Khan Achakzai, President Pakistan Federation of Chamber; Atif Bajwa, former President Bank Ali Falah, Anjum Nisar former President Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Sikandar Mustafa Khan Chairman Millat Tractors and Jamil Yousaf, former Chief Citizen Police Liaison Committee (CPLC), Karachi. The Chairman NAB said that the committee of business community would be resolved issues of business community with mutual understanding as per law. The decision of Chairman NAB will be final.
The complaints regarding the reference already filed would not be considered. The businessmen committee would be a consultative nature and it has nothing to do with powers conferred to NAB. The bureau respects business community and all possible steps would be taken to progress, prosperity of economy and its betterment as NAB has only affiliation with the state of Pakistan and its prosperity.
The business community appreciated Justice Javed Iqbal, Chairman NAB and its efforts to address the genuine problems of business community as per law. Chairman NAB said that eradication of corruption from the country is collective efforts.
Addressing at Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI), Karachi, he said that NAB is making all out efforts to eradicate corruption from the society. He asked business community to concentrate on their business as NAB always believe in self-respect of every citizen and is human and business friendly organization. He said NAB has not pursued any case of tax evasion and no plan to pursue in future also and such cases were being referred to FBR. He said that NAB does not take direct action in bank default cases but State Bank of Pakistan refers cases to NAB. He said that NAB is taking action against those who are allegedly corrupt and were untouchables in the past who are now behind the bars. We will bring them to justice and recover looted money of innocent people and deposit in the national exchequer.
Chairman NAB answered the queries of businessmen with patience and said that NAB has no affiliation with any party, group or individual as NAB’s first and foremost priority is the progress and prosperity of the country. He said that NAB is conducting accountability without any discrimination. NAB was to serve people and not to intimidate them.
He said that the country is indebted up to Rs100 billion, one perturbs where the money had been spent as economy was in shambles, no beds in hospitals, students were being denied admissions in universities. He said that NAB has is working according to law. There is difference between tax evasion and money laundering. Criticizing fake housing societies, he said the housing societies have plundered the poor persons by posting alluring advertisements despite having no or little land. He said every case of poor person was mega case for him; fake housing societies looted their life earned money without any remorse.
Earlier, Mr. Daroo Khan Achakzai, President Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) in his address at FPCCI Headquarters in Karachi appreciated the efforts and commitment of Mr. Justice Javed Iqbal, Chairman NAB for resolving the issues of business community personally. Due to which the confidence of business community have restored now we feel very happy for the visit of worthy chairman to FPCCI Karachi as per promise and after personal interaction with chairman NAB and listening his views, now business community is ready to work with more confidence for the development of the country. He thanked Chairman NAB for constitution of 6 members committee of business community in order to address their issues and called Chairman as man of action who believes in action, not words. The other senior members of Business Community also expressed its satisfaction and lauded the role of chairman NAB and pledged continue playing role in progress of the country. At the end, Mr. Daroo Khan Achakzai, President Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI), presented shield to Mr. Justice Javed Iqbal, Chairman NAB in his honour.