Pakistan Peoples Party on Friday denounced the government's 'double standards' in the name of accountability, and demanded an end to using NAB for arm twisting of the opposition and covering up mega corruption of the 'king's party'.
PPP spokesman Farhatullah Babar, reacting to the NAB conference to be held here on Saturday 'to create awareness against corruption and the need for accountability', he suggested that the Bureau should reflect on why its conduct had become a laughing stock.
In a statement, he said that, for a change, the NAB conference should also reflect on why accountability under the dictatorship had become a laughing stock. "The conference should be an occasion for soul searching. The PPP spokesman asked the conference to give honest answers to these questions: "Is it accountability 'across the board horizontally and vertically' or a farce to exempt military officers and target political opponents alone?
"Is it accountability or political manipulation to first announce probe in the sugar price scam and then bowing to the mafia in the regime back down within 24 hours?
"Is it transparent accountability, or a mockery, to first admit to mega corruption in the non-transparent fixation of oil prices and then declare as NAB did on May 16, that the Petroleum Ministry was influencing the probe?
"Is it not a fact that the Parliament was informed in May 2005 that the Khosgi Sugar Mill of Fauji Foundation had been sold in a questionable manner, but the NAB had not taken any action?. "Is it not a fact that corruption in the Steel Mills privatisation was exposed in the Supreme Court but the NAB turned a blind eye. "Is it not a fact that investigations into the scam involving purchase of Chinese locomotives for nearly 100 dollars was dropped on the ground of 'honest mistake in good faith', and the NAB did nothing because those involved were former military officers?
"Is it not a fact that the recommendations of Auditor General of Pakistan to pursue the case of corruption in setting up a grid station in Taxila have been ignored because some sacred cows are involved the scam? "Is it not a fact that the NAB was quick in filing a case against the former Prime Minister for alleged misdeclaration of assets before the Election Commission but was not proceeding against some sacred cows named in cases of amassing assets beyond known means?
"Is it not a fact that several references filed before NAB by concerned citizens are gathering dust and not being investigated? "The stated purpose of the conference of creating awareness cannot be served honestly if these and many more like these questions are not answered," he stressed.