Will take any step to save public’s money: CM Punjab on Ashiana probe
LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on Monday that he could take any step to ensure that the public’s money was saved.
Speaking to media personnel during a news conference after appearing before NAB personnel in relation to graft allegations pertaining to the Ashiana Housing Scheme, Shehbaz said that the meeting took place in a cordial manner.
“I presented myself before NAB officials today,” he said. “The meeting took place in a positive atmosphere,” he added.
Shehbaz Sharif disclosed that NAB alleged that the incumbent chief minister had violated the law and asked him three questions pertaining to the allegations.
“I will take such steps a thousand times if I have to,” he said. “We created Punjab Land Authority to enable a low-cost housing society,” he added.
During the presser, he questioned whether saving the money of the public and thwarting corruption was a crime.
“If all this is considered a crime then yes, I admit that I am a criminal,” he said. “The Ashiana Housing Scheme is there for all to see–you can investigate the issue all you want,” he added.
Shehbaz Sharif said that during the Musharraf regime, the Chiniot Iron project had been initiated without a tender.
“However, NAB did not take notice over that action despite the fact that Justice Mansoor Ali Shah had declared the project to be a fraud,” he said.
He said that Raiwind Road case had been reopened but no one had bothered to look into the Chiniot project and NAB had even gone so far as to give a clean chit to Arshad Waheed despite the order of the high court.
“Punjab Government funded the 1700 houses that were part of the Ashiana Housing Scheme,” he said.
Shehbaz Sharif warned NAB to focus on its duties as an accountability body and not go overboard with victimisation.
“NAB should be involved in conducting accountability and not indulge in playing politics,” he said. 
Story first published: 22nd January 2018
Article source: https://www.samaa.tv/pakistan/2018/01/will-take-any-step-to-save-publics-money-cm-punjab-on-ashiana-probe/