The probe into multi-billion rupees scam of National Logistic Cell (NLC) reached its climax with a ''realisation'' that neither National Assembly''s Public Accounts Committee (PAC) nor Armed Forces'' General Headquarter (GHQ) have legal cover to take to task any retired armed forces or civilian government employee.
In an attempt to convince the committee members, Defence Secretary Lieutenant General Syed Athar Ali (Retd) said there were certain provisions in rules and regulations, which allow the army to take punitive action against retired army personnel. But Public Accounts Committee, which met here with Chaudhry Nisar Ali in the chair, observed that holding an inquiry against a retired army man did not come under the purview of Army Act.
Earlier, PAC chairman announced that PAC would shortly table an amendment bill in National Assembly, which would allow the committee to also take to task any retired government functionary. Presently, the PAC is only a recommendatory body.
Chairman PAC insisted that there was not only one irregularity that was highlighted in the inquiry reports, which led to the unearthing of Rs 4 billion unlawful investment in Stock Exchange by the then management of NLC. There are other audit paras of misuse of authority which need to be settled. "As per our information, chief of army staff (COAS) has directed to hold investigation into only one area, investment in stock exchange," he said.
Nisar directed Defence Secretary to provide answers to certain observations in due course of time. "PAC needs some answer from GHQ. First, what are the terms of reference of the inquiry committee constituted by COAS. Second, how much time the committee will take to complete the inquiry. Third, what action can be taken as the inquiry committee lacks authority to hold retired armed forces officers accountable," he added
However, Chairman PAC lauded the step taken by COAS and remarked it was a unique case as notice had been taken by the army chief. In a soft tone, he said that PAC must consider the inquiry of GHQ as the fourth inquiry, as three inquires were already in hand. He also offered the GHQ to consider the three inquiry reports compiled by PAC during last two years.
He also stressed that every man who is in or out of uniform must be held accountable for looting public money. An accused must not be associated with any institution and each institution should perform within its constitutional parameters, he added. Defence secretary assured the committee that inquiry would be completed within two and half months and it would be open door inquiry. The PAC chairman convened in camera meeting of the committee to discuss how to deal with the emerging scenario.
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