Pakistan
Usman Buzdar's absence in assets beyond means case irks NAB
The PTI Punjab chief minister consistently failed to appear before NAB Lahore investigators, which has left officials frustrated.
Lahore: The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) on Tuesday expressed their concern over the repeated absence of former Punjab Chief Minister Usman Buzdar in relation to the assets beyond income case.
Despite being issued multiple call-up notices, Buzdar consistently failed to appear before NAB Lahore investigators, which has left officials frustrated.
NAB Lahore now officially reported Buzdar's continuous absence to the NAB headquarters. The former chief minister once again skipped his scheduled appearance before the anti-corruption watchdog's investigators.
A report highlighting the situation was presented to senior NAB officials, who will decide whether to issue another call-up notice to Buzdar.
Earlier this month, the National Accountability Bureau initiated an investigation into the appointments and transfers of government officials during Usman Buzdar's tenure as Punjab chief minister.
The inquiry, conducted by NAB Lahore, focuses on allegations of bribery amounting to millions of rupees for appointments and transfers.
The bureau sought complete records from the Services Secretary in relation to this matter. Additionally, sources have implicated Farhat Shahzadi, also known as Farah Gogi, and former Principal Secretary Tahir Khursheed in the case.
Sources also revealed that the information secretary was directed to present the records by June 5, but as of now, the secretary has not provided the requested information.
It is worth noting that Usman Buzdar has been summoned by NAB 11 times, but he has only appeared twice. Despite the bureau's order for him to ensure his presence on the designated day, he has once again disregarded the call-up notice.