KARACHI: Adviser to Sindh Chief Minister for Information, Law and Anti-corruption Barrister Murtaza Wahab has said new era of conspiracy has been launched against Thar Coal Project as Khursheed Jamali chairman of a company associated with Thar Coal Project and two other investors have been arrested by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) despite the announcement of NAB chairman that no businessman would be arrested.

Murtaza Wahab was talking to the media on Wednesday at the Sindh Assembly. He alleged that Sindh government and investors belonging to Sindh province were being victimised. Thar Coal Project is energy life line of Pakistan, Murtaza said adding that conspiracies had been hatched against the Thar Coal right from its beginning and it was said that there is no coal in Thar and later stories of its low quality were spread.

The Adviser said PPP has transformed this vital project of country into reality after long struggle and light up the country that was engulfed with darkness. He said Thar Coal Project is energy hub for whole region and energy life line for Pakistan, such measure for discouraging the investment would be considered conspiracy against the country. He cited the case of Nooriabad Power Plants which were duly approved from NEPRA and an agreement was inked with HESCO for purchasing the electricity but at the eleventh hour HESCO had regretted to stick to its earlier agreement. He said that Sindh government had no option but to shut down the Nooriabad Power Project. Later, we decided to lay down transmission line under article 151 of constitutional and offered supply of electricity to K-Electric. We had completed transmission line, later NEPRA awarded status of provincial grid company to it. He said Nooriabad Power Company produced 200 megawatts electricity and added that when all institutions of country were running in loss, the Nooriabad Company has earned Rs 450 million profit.

The Adviser said arrested three person belong to Technomen Pvt ltd and added that Anwar Majeed had no association with that company. Barrister Murtaza Wahab said when investors were meted out in such manner and handcuffed then who would invest in the country? He was of view that investors or traders should not be arrested before proven them guilty of any wrong doing. He said no detention had been made of PTI government supporters despite the NAB enquiries. He said double standards were being promoted in the state of Medina.

Denies NAB notice to PPP chairman:

Adviser to Sindh CM Barrister Murtaza Wahab refuted the reports of NAB notice issuance to PPP chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari. In a video message, Barrister Murtaza Wahab has said PPP chairman has not received any notice from NAB. He categorically denied that Bilawal House staff has received any such notice. He said Pakistan Peoples Party has always followed the course of law and added when ever such notice would be received, they will make compliance to it.—PR