KARACHI: Customs Today had published a series of stories including on 16th Sept. 2019
https://customstoday.media/nab-takes-action-on-green-channel-mega-scam-after-customs-todays-extensive-coverage/ and further on 19th Sept. 2019 unearthing the scam of clearing goods in green channel under the garb of Iron/ steel re-meltable scrap. The articles also had names of culprits upon which action was initiated and the inquiry culminated into arrests and recoveries of Rs134.339 million from the accused.
In line with the directions of Honorable Mr. Justice Javed Iqbal, Chairman NAB, Dr. Najaf Quli Mirza (PSP), DG NAB Karachi distributed cheques amounting to Rs 207.110 million amongst various state functionaries including Govt. of Sindh, Federal Board of Revenue, Pakistan Steel Mills and PHA Maymar Affectees. Brief details are as follows:
A cheque of Rs134.339 million was handed over to representative of chairman, Federal Board of Revenue (FBR). This recovery includes a recent investigation conducted by NAB Karachi in which 5x accused persons admitted their guilt of clearing miscellaneous goods under the garb of iron/steel re-meltable scrap in connivance with Government Officers/Officials. Subsequently, all 5 accused persons entered into PB and returned the ill-gotten money to Govt Exchequer.
Another amount of Rs69.266 million was handed over to representative of the office of Chief Secretary, Govt. of Sindh. The recoveries were made through Plea Bargain under NAO 1999 from the corrupt elements in favor of different departments of Govt. of Sindh.
Another cheque of Rs3.248 Million was handed over to representative of CEO, Pakistan Steel Mills. The recovery was affected in Reference No. 21/2012 which was filed by NAB Karachi against ex-chairman, other officers/ officials of Pakistan Steel Mills and 3x contractors. The case was regarding illegal award of 19x canteen services during year 2008-09. One of the contractors opted for Plea Bargain. Other two contractors are facing trial along with other accused persons in Accountability Court, Karachi.
Another cheque of Rs0.296 million was handed over to an affectee of PHA Maymar Housing Services. A complaint was received from Ministry of Housing against Maymar Housing Services Ltd on the allegations of cheating public at large by not completing the construction of flats within time. The case after due process of inquiry was concluded through recovery of ill-gotten money from Chairman Maymar Housing Services Ltd for an amount of Rs37.2 million of 62 affectees and handing over of 182 flats to those who paid full amount.
Dr. Najaf Quli Mirza (PSP), DG NAB (Karachi) said that NAB under the leadership of Honorable Mr. Justice Javed Iqbal, Chairman NAB is committed to recover looted money from corrupt elements and return to affectees. He reaffirmed NAB’s commitment against corruption and corrupt practices and said that NAB Karachi is performing its responsibilities with utmost enthusiasm, commitment, dedication with professionalism on merit as per law for corruption free Pakistan. Justice Javed Iqbal, Chairman NAB has appreciated the performance of NAB Karachi under the supervision of Dr. Najaf Quli Mirza (PSP), DG NAB (Karachi) for return of Rs 207.110 Million amongst various state functionaries including Govt. of Sindh, Federal Board of Revenue, Pakistan Steel Mills and PHA Maymar affectees. However, it remains to be seen how quickly and efficiently NAB acts on other mega scams highlighted by Customs Today Newspaper in various articles that recoverable amount runs into more than Rs. 1,000 Billion. The Chairman NAB is renowned for his competence and a history of recovering the looted amounts from corrupt elements without any fear and hence the citizens of Pakistan rest their hopes in him while waiting for the day when the entire pending amounts would be recovered after following due process of law.