NAB to probe allegations questioning Musharraf’s assets

ISLAMABAD: The executive board of the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) decided on Friday to investigate allegations against Pakistan’s former president Gen (retd) Pervez Musharraf for holding assets beyond his means.

The board will also investigate him for wrongful use of power. NAB Chairman Justice (retd) Javed Iqbal also ordered investigations against various current and former officials including Pakistan Muslim League-q (PML-Q) leader Moonis Elahi, son of former Punjab Chief Minister Pervez Elahi, for owning an offshore company; and the president of Bank of Punjab, for having assets beyond means.

On Feb.9, the Islamabad High Court (IHC) had redefined the NAB’S powers allowing it to investigate ex-military men, especially retired generals, and directed it to probe Musharraf for his alleged corruption while holding office.

The February judgment cleared a 19-year-old ambiguity in the National Accountability Ordinance (NAO) due to which the NAB had always shown reluctance in proceeding against retired army officers despite complaints of corruption against them.

The matter was taken to the IHC by retired (retd) Inamur Rahim in 2014, who sought a probe into the alleged corruption done by Musharraf.

In his complaint filed some five years ago, he had asked the NAB to hold an inquiry into the allegation that the general, in his nomination papers, had declared assets which were beyond his known sources of income.

According to the petitioner, Musharraf, as chief of the army staff as well as the president of Pakistan, had violated his oath according to which he was duty bound to defend the country and protect its citizens.