Pakistan power scam: PM could be summoned, says report

Jun 26, 2012 |

Islamabad

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Pakistani authorities are still probing a multi-billion rupee scam involving private power projects and could summon Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf, who held the power portfolio when some of the projects were cleared, according to a media report on Tuesday.

The National Accountability Bureau, Pakistan's main anti-corruption agency, is pursuing the case involving 'rental power plants' and no file has been closed.

The NAB could summon anyone, including the Premier, if he or she is required in the investigation, The News daily quoted an official as saying.

"Yes, the probe is still on and the Prime Minister could be summoned. But that would depend on the gravity of situation as the investigation team will decide whether the Prime Minister should be summoned in person or whether a questionnaire should be sent to him," NAB spokesman Zafar Iqbal Khan said.

The investigation team will decide whether the presence of a particular person is required or if a questionnaire could serve the purpose, he said. In the past, NAB had sent a questionnaire to former Premier Yousuf Raza Gilani on the issue of the appointment of the head of a state-run firm.

Similarly, NAB could send a questionnaire to Prime Minister Ashraf in the power projects case, Khan said. Asked about the general perception that NAB has closed the file against Ashraf, the NAB spokesman said the probe was still ongoing.

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