NAB begins probe into closure

RECORDER REPORT

ISLAMABAD: The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) Tuesday initiated probe into the closure of the Pakistan International Airlines (PIA)-owned Roosevelt Hotel in New York.

Chairman NAB Justice Javed Iqbal (retired) has taken notice of the matter and media reports, and directed Director General (DG) NAB Rawalpindi Irfan Mangi to investigate the matter in detail and the circumstances which led to the closure of over 100-year-old hotel, said NAB spokesman.

Those responsible for alleged negligence in discharging their national duties to keep the hotel profitable will also be identified, and allegedly failed to perform their duties in making hotel at prime place in accordance with law, the NAB chairman said.

The hotel announced its permanent closure from October 31st on its website, citing “current economic impacts.”

The PIA acquired the hotel on lease in 1969, and in 2005 acquired its ownership rights.

On Monday, Minister for Aviation Ghulam Sarwar Khan had refuted reports circulating in certain quarters regarding sale of the PIA’s Roosevelt Hotel in New York.