DNA

ISLAMABAD, NOV 30 – Justice (RETD) Javed Iqbal Chairman NAB chaired a meeting in wake of increasing number of COVID-19 cases in NAB to decide further course of action at NAB Headquarters.

The meeting was attended by Hussain Asghar, Deputy Chairman NAB, Syed Asghar Haider, Prosecutor General Accountability, Zahir Shah, Director General Operations, Husnain Ahmad, DG Headquarters NAB and other senior officers of NAB. During the meeting, it was directed by NAB’s all officers/officials of NAB to strictly follow COVID-19 prevention guidelines and standard operating procedures (SOPs) announced by the Government. The meeting further ordered issuance of following instructions for strict implementation and compliance in letter and spirit with immediate effect till further orders.

The meeting decided to observe working hours of NAB offices from 9am to 1:30pm (Monday to Thursday) and from 9am to 1:00pm on Fridays. The Region/Divisions/Wings/Cells may ensure the implementation of the precautionary measures strictly with respect to COVID-19 i.e. wearing masks, sanitizing hands etc. The Region/Divisions/Wings/Cells may ensure conduct of COVID-19 tests of Officers/Officials on a regular basis subject to the symptoms. The entry of visitors had been banned at NAB Headquarters and all Regional offices .Special checking of staff and others will be ensured at entry gate through thermal guns.

It was also decided that disinfection process to be initiated on a regular basis in general and on Saturdays and Sundays particularly without fail. NAB officers/officials should not go to public places without any official work and urgent need and maintain close contact with their Directors/DGs on telephone in order to dispose of official responsibilities without fail as per law.

The meeting decided to ensure strict implementation of comprehensive strategy regarding COVID-19 policy besides frequent hand washing, use of sanitizer, gloves and wearing of masks. The screening of accused in NAB custody will be ensured from qualified doctors besides providing those with best medical facilities and masks, gloves, sanitizers and other necessary equipment to be used to protect them from COVID-19. The meeting chaired by Honorable Mr. Justice Javed Iqbal Chairman NAB expressed its firm resolve that through strict adoption of precautionary measures, officers/officials could better sensitize and protect from COVID-19. The officers/officials should inform their relevant Directors/DGs if symptoms of corona virus appear so that immediate remedial measures should be taken on time for provision of medical facilities. Use of intercom should be enhanced in NAB offices in order to avoid frequent meetings besides maintaining social distancing, frequent hand washing, use of sanitizers, gloves and masks. Investigation officers and prosecutors have been directed to pursue their cases in relevant Honorable courts with complete preparation and no laxity will be tolerated in this regard. However, it was also decided that the Prosecution Division shall move applications of adjournment in Honorable Courts if any prosecutor of NAB is infected and declared positive from COVID-19.