NAB mulling initiating probe

FAZAL SHER

ISLAMABAD: The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) is contemplating initiating a thorough probe into mega sugar and wheat scam after reviewing all legal aspects and other issues.

The NAB sources said that sugar and wheat scandal was one of the prime mega scams in the history of the country; therefore, the NAB had starting reviewing all legal aspects of the scam in order to launch a transparent inquiry into the matter.

The NAB chairman has issued directives to director general (DG) NAB in this regard, they said.

The federal government, on April 4, had made public, reports of a high-level inquiry committed head by Director General (DG) Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) into the sugar and wheat crises.

The reports were made public on the directives of Prime Minister Imran Khan who, according to Special Assistant on Accountability Mirza Shahzad Akbar, had ordered a stern action against those found involved in the crises “irrespective of their status and party affiliation”.

The inquiry report on sugar price increase stated that its considered opinion based on documentary evidence was that the export of sugar was not justified, and with the export, sugar prices started increasing and exporters gained benefits in two ways – firstly, they were able to gain subsidy, and secondly, they made profit from the increasing sugar prices in the local market.

The inquiry report on wheat had held Ministry of National Food Security and Research (MNFS&R) and provincial governments and Flour Mills Association responsible for wheat/flour crisis in the country.

According to the report, Passco failed to meet its procurement target and fell short by 0.42 million tons in a year where the national carry- forward stocks remained the lowest during the last five years.

For this failure, the secretary MNFS&R and incumbent MD Passco during the procurement season have been held responsible.