"The allegations that this government is on a witch hunt of its rivals are far from reality. Whatever the NAB does in line with its responsibilities has nothing to do with us," she told a press conference. Taking a jibe at the Jang Group, she said, "Instead of targeting the government and the NAB, Mir Shakil and the anchors of Jang Group should present the evidence in the court in Shakil's favour and establish the innocence of the accused."

"The courts are independent, and take decisions as per the law. So, it would be better not to drag courts, the NAB and the government in necessary controversy and wait for the court to decide," Awan said.

"Linking this arrest to freedom of media is a negation of journalistic values. It's an insult to journalism. Whosever is involved in any kind of foul play should be taken on, regardless of their status, profession and influence."

She said that the NAB should strongly contest the cases against the individuals that were nabbed by the accountability watchdog.

"It's for the NAB to present strong evidence against the accused and take them to task. The NAB should shun this image that it only tightens noose around less influential persons and spares the mighty and the powerful. This perception is extremely damaging for the NAB that its actions are motivated by revenge and witch hunting. Only strong prosecution and strong action against the mighty and powerful can clean this image."

Awan also said: "I am not a NAB's spokesperson and I am not here to justify NAB's action to arrest Mir Shakil. I am here only to explain the government's version because our government is unnecessarily and maliciously being dragged in this controversy, while we have nothing to do with Mir Shakilur Rehman's arrest."

Copyright Business Recorder, 2020