Govt decides to expedite probe of high-profile cases

ISLAMABAD: Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry says the government has decided to expedite investigation of high-profile cases currently taken up by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB).

Addressing a press briefing here after the Federal Cabinet meeting, the minister said, “We are trying the country to stand on its own feet and some strong steps are to be taken in this regard.”

Mr. Chaudhry said the newly-launched housing scheme was completely transparent and it would help the poor have their own homes. A registration form has been made available for Rs 250, he added.

He said he was in his personal capacity submitting a resolution in the National Assembly, seeking constitution of a committee to probe people involved in corruption.

He said the government also decided to conduct audit of new Islamabad Airport, adding that the expenditure was more than the allocation. He said a team will probe that how a project of Rs 36 billion completed at a cost of Rs 100 billion.

He also announced that Federal Minister for Privatization Mohammad Mian Soomro will be the new chairman of the Privatization Commission.

The information minister further said that illegally imported mobile phones will not work in the country. A mechanism is being devised in this regard and all illegally imported phones will stop working by the end of this year, he added.

In addition, he said a plan has been made to launch a crackdown on ‘cigarette mafia’.