ISLAMABAD: Minister for Information and Broadcasting Fawad Chaudhry and Minister for Law Farogh Naseem revealed the government’s stance on Wednesday that as long as PML-N President Shahbaz Sharif occupies the post, no consultation with take place with the Opposition.
While addressing a presser at the Press Information Department, Chaudhry stated that “It is highly inappropriate to consult a thief over the matter of [the NAB chairman’s] appointment. We cannot appoint a warden after asking a thief [who it should be].”
“If Shahbaz Sharif had a degree of shame he would resign as Opposition leader himself,” he added.
“NAB will do real work, instead of being embroiled in controversies,” he further revealed.
On the other hand, Farogh Naseem stated that “The president is the one who will appoint the NAB chairman,” he explained, adding that this will be done after consultation with both, leaders of the House, and the Opposition.
The law minister revealed that after consultation, a name may be agreed upon for the appointment of the NAB chairman. “If the consultations fail, a parliamentary committee will be formed, similar to how one was formed for the appointment of the vacant posts at the Election Commission of Pakistan,” he stated, adding that it will contain six members from the Opposition and six from the treasury benches.
Naseem said that National Assembly Speaker Asad Qaiser will form the committee.
“Until the new chairman is appointed, the old one will continue,” he added, saying that he will continue to have all the powers and authority that come with his post.
Naseem said no decision has been made yet over whether retired Justice Javed Iqbal will be “permanently appointed” but the government, including the cabinet and the PM believe that a wider selection must be made available.
