LAHORE: Law Minister Rana Sanaullah has dubbed Orange Line Metro the most cost effective project by the government which prompted the opposition to protest, sources reported today.
Punjab Assembly session witnessed exchange of hot words between Rana Sanaullah and the opposition.
Sanaullah criticized the opposition for denouncing Orange Line when it is “the most cost effective development project.” The Law Minister came under fire from the opposition for arguing in favor of the project.”
Opposition Leader Mian Mehmoodur Rasheed, enraged over Sanaullah’s statement said that Punjab government is broke but is making merry after acquiring loan for Orange Line project. The opposition leader stated that he would resign if the project proves to be cost effective. Otherwise Rana Sanaullah would have to resign, he added.
Earlier today while talking to the media, Sanaullah said that there is no pressure on National Accountability Bureau (NAB) and the Prime Minister (PM) only wants it to function with added responsibility.
Sanaullah said that there is no pressure from any political section on the accountability department. But the bureau nabs officials for transactions that were made around 25 years back, he added.
He said that Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif did not criticize NAB but what he said should be perceived as a recommendation. The Law Minister also said that department should not detain investors for long hours. Sanaullah said that none would remain interested in investing if the department continues to function like this.
"What does NAB want to dig out from Raiwind Road’s 16-year-old project?" Asked Sanaullah.
It is worth mentioning here that NAB had apprehended Orange Line Metro project s contractor Aamir Latif earlier which allegedly irked the Prime Minister. Kalson Private Limited, a company owned by the contractor is working on the Orange Line project launched by Punjab government.
On Wednesday, the Law Minister held a press conference in Lahore and said that PM Nawaz reserves the authority to direct the National Accountability Bureau.
He said that Punjab authorities would welcome bureau’s action against corruption in Punjab.
Sanaullah said that he is liable to offer a reasonable justification if corruption worth a penny is proven against him. He had urged different sections of society to draw positive conclusion off Prime Minister’s statement regarding bureau’s working.
The incumbent minister said that PM Nawaz is in no way responsible for shortcomings and mistakes committed by different institutions, he added.
Earlier on Tuesday, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif had addressed a gathering in Bahawalpur and urged NAB to act responsibly. He said that the bureau needs to reconsider its limits and approach of action.
