Govt announces to remove Bilawal, CM Murad's names from ECL

Fawad was addressing a joint news conference along with Shehzad Akbar.

ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – Following the orders of Supreme Court (SC), federal government on Monday has announced to remove names of Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) chairman Bilawal Bhutto and Chief Minister of Sindh (CM) Murad Ali Shah from Exit Control List (ECL).

Information Minister Fawad Chaudhrwas addressing a joint news conference along with Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on accountability Shehzad Akbar in Islamabad this afternoon.

He said that whole nation stands united against corrupt elements. SC has referred the fake bank accounts case to National Accountability Bureau (NAB) to complete investigation, he added. The minister said the government and all its institutions will extend all possible support to the NAB to take the matter to its logical end and bring back the plundered money to the national exchequer.

The government will continue its drive against the corrupt mafia as per its manifesto to purge the country of the menace of corruption and money laundering, maintained Fawad. “The government is not interfering in the professional work of all the investigating agencies but has only given them a free hand to perform their obligations in an independent atmosphere,” he asserted.

The Minister said this policy has helped the government to achieve some 90% achievements in putting the corrupt elements behind the bars while the remaining 10 percent would also be taken to task through a transparent accountability process.

Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Shehzad Akbar told media men that the Supreme Court has not rejected the JIT report in the Fake Bank Accounts Case. He said all those who were issued notices in the case including Asif Ali Zardari, Faryal Talpur, Omni Group owners and Bahria Town’s Malik Riaz have failed to submit any substantial reply against allegations of corruption and money laundering to the Supreme Court in the light of JIT Report.

He said the Supreme Court has not exempted Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and Syed Murad Ali Shah from the NAB investigation into the case.

Akbar stated that the JIT report comprises of 131 pages and 1000 annexures whereas any accused who fails to satisfy the investigators will face references.

All the accused will have to prove their innocence in matters relating to Summit Bank, Sindh Bank, Steel Mills and land grabbing, he added.

Shehzad Akbar enlightened that Asif Ali Zardari and the Omni Group owners will also have to explain about the relation between them. Similarly, Zardari will also be answerable to explain the source of income about purchase of his properties in London and New York, he said.

Later, answering questions of newsmen, Information Minister told that the government during its first five months has been able to overcome the issues like current account deficit and balance of payment with the generous help of our friendly countries including Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, China and Malaysia.

He said the government is focusing on boosting national exports and curtailing imports besides attracting foreign investment with provision of ease of doing business.

Fawad Chaudhry expressed confidence that the fruits of government’s prudent economic policies would be visible during this year.

To a question, the Minister called for strengthening the editorial system in Media Houses to improve their contents. He said the Media Houses will also have to ensure objectivity in their policy of breaking news keeping in view the national interest.

He emphasized that the government believes in freedom of expression but there should be checks and balances to improve journalistic standards.