NAB tightens noose around MQM-P leader Babar Ghauri

KARACHI: The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) here on Thursday approved investigations against Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) leader and former minister for ports and shipping Babar Ghauri in a case pertaining to illegal recruitment and misuse of authority, said NAB spokesperson

Taking notice of a complaint in connection with illegal recruitment in KPT, the NAB Karachi bureau decided to initiate probe against then minister for ports and shipping, Babar Ghauri, said the spokesperson.

He said that 981 people had been recruited illegally in KTP during 2008 to 2013, causing a loss of more than Rs2.8bn to the national exchequer. The spokesperson further said that these people were recruited on different posts up to grade 20. He said that many of them had fake degrees but they were appointed without any scrutiny of their documents.

The spokesperson said that the anti-graft watchdog would arrests the suspects, if necessary, after the approval of NAB Chairman.

Earlier, an accountability court on April 12 had adjourned hearing of Karachi Port Trust (KPT) corruption reference.

The court had heared reference against the accused about illegal recruitment and misuse of authority, filed by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB). Former federal minister and a key accused Babar Ghauri had been declared proclaimed offender in the case.

The NAB prosecution had presented Deputy Secretary Ports and Shipping Saifullah as its witness in an earlier hearing.

Former federal minister Babar Ghauri and eight other accused had been nominated in the NAB corruption reference.