The Supreme Court has referred alleged corruption in 56 public-sector companies of Punjab government case to the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) and directed that a report into the case be submitted within 10 days. Chief Justice, Justice Mian Saqib Nisar resumed suo motu hearing of the Punjab companies'''' scandal at the court''''s Lahore registry here on Sunday and noted that the out going government gave contracts for construction of Orange Line Train, Fast Track and other projects to the same contractor."
The court directed the heads of the 56 public companies, which were present during the hearing, to return the amount they received which was more than their original pay scale, "We will make sure everyone returns the money."Nobody is concerned that this is the tax money of citizens". Money should be taken back from them and used for the construction of dams," he remarked. Directing the accountability bureau to submit a report into the case within 10 days, the CJP said that NAB can file a reference in the case if needed. The court further ordered all CEOs drawing salaries above Rs 300,000 to appear before NAB.
It may be recalled that on April 28, the Supreme Court had ordered the heads of the 56 public companies, which are being investigated over a corruption probe, to draw salaries under civil servant roles and return the amount which was more than their original pay to the exchequer. "Billions of rupees were spent under the Saaf Pani Project without providing a single drop of water to people. We will not allow any person to plunder public money," he said.