An interesting situation developed at the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) meeting on Wednesday when MNA Noor Alam Khan, the committee chairman, and Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Senator Talha Mehmood had a dialogue with each other, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.

On seeing the senator arriving at the venue, the MNA asked him about the purpose of his visit.

The senator replied that he had come to hold him accountable.

Committee discusses last govt’s interest-free loans policy:

The committee again discussed the last government’s policy of giving interest-free loans.

Most of the members supported the idea of forwarding the matter to the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) and the National Accountability Bureau (NAB).  

MNA Noor told the meeting that yesterday the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) had briefed him that loans had been given to 620 people under the last government. “But we were not told names of these individuals,” he added.

MNA Barjees Tahir remarked that these 620 people had looted the country. “I support the idea of referring the matter to the FIA and the NAB,” he said.

Muhammad Afzal Dhandla, a committee member, was of the view that the matter should be investigated.  

Another committee member Mustafa Shah said if the body wanted to send the matter to the NAB or the FIA, then it should go ahead with it.

Barjees opined that it would be extremely unfortunate if names of borrowers were not disclosed at this forum.

Syed Hussain Tariq said it should be investigated whether it was legal or illegal.

Dhandla said there was no harm in conducting an inquiry.

MNA Noor said nobody was above the law; be it prime minister or federal minister “I ask the NAB chairman to first check my assets,” he said.

The PAC sought an investigation report from the NAB, the FIA and the auditor general within 15 days. 

Reporter: Tayyab Saif