Fawad refutes news about corruption probe against three federal ministers

ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Fawad Chaudhry on Monday contradicted reports pertaining to corruption charges probe against three federal ministers.

“No inquiry is underway over corruption charges, against any federal minister of the incumbent government, clarified federal government’s spokesperson, Fawad Chaudhry.

The minister further added that, Prime Minister Khan has directed ministers to refrain from the corrupt practices, adding that “not ordered inquiry against any of the minister.”

Read: Chinese minister assures PM Imran of China’s support in fighting corruption

Earlier in it was reported in a section of the media that three members of Prime Minister Imran Khan’s cabinet were facing graft charges and may be shown the door if the allegations proved true.

Sources claimed that the prime minister had ordered an inquiry into the corruption allegations leveled against his three aides, sources said, without naming the trio.

According to the sources, at the conclusion of the cabinet meeting on Friday, the PM asked all government officials to leave the meeting room. He then made the shocking disclosure to his cabinet members.

Prime Minister Imran told the meeting that he received preliminary reports about financial corruption against the three ministers, sources claimed.

“If the allegations are proven during the inquiry, no leniency will be shown to the ministers in question and they will be sacked,” said Premier, according to the sources.

He said that no corrupt politician nor official would escape accountability and that everyone would be held accountable for their financial wrongdoing.

Whistle-blowing laws in Pakistan on the cards

On Oct 3, Adviser to PM on Establishment Mohammad Shehzad Arbab, along with Mirza Shahzad Akbar, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Accountability had said the government was also working to introduce whistleblowing laws in Pakistan.

He had made those remarks while co-chairing a special meeting to launch an anti-corruption drive in line with vision of PM Imran Khan.

Arbab reiterated to adopt immediate measures to root out corruption from public sector institutions which is a key to improve public service delivery.

He further directed that the heads of ministries and departments to immediately remove corrupt elements from their respective ministries and departments.

Arbab asked the representatives of various departments to formulate a comprehensive mechanism by which general public may submit their grievance against corrupt officials.