CM Punjab appears before NAB in liquor license case
Usman Buzdar arrived at NAB office without protocol
LAHORE (Dunya News) – Chief Minister of Punjab Sardar Usman Buzdar on Wednesday appeared before National Accountability Bureau (NAB) Lahore office in a case of allegedly issuing liquor license to a hotel in violation of the law.
According to sources of Dunya News, Usman Buzdar arrived at NAB office without protocol and handed over all documents regarding issuance of liquor license. CM Punjab is also accused of buying properties in South Punjab in name of other people. The anti-graft watchdog also handed over an assets proforma consisting of 12 pages to the chief minister and asked him to submit details of assets of his family members by August 18.
Sources have also claimed that CM Punjab did not answer questions and said “I don’t know anything as I am not prepared. Give me time to think and answer these questions”.
On the other hand, major progress has been made in the case as former director general (DG) Excise Akram Ashraf Gondal has recorded statement before the NAB team.
Former DG Excise, in his statement, claimed that he informed Chief Minister Office that issuance of the liquor license will be against the policy and rules as NOCs were not complete. However, he approved the license on the request of then Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Raheel Ahmed Siddiqui.
Former DG Excise Akram Ashraf Gondal has also submitted an application to become approver in the case.
On the other hand, Punjab Information Minister Fayyaz-ul-Hassan Chohan Wednesday said that Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar’s appearance before the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) without protocol is a great example of compliance with the constitution.
The provincial minister said in his statement that Usman Buzdar’s act is an excellent lesson for miscreant and dishonest political rivals.
