ISLAMABAD – National Accountability Bureau has initiated an inquiry againstthe ruling party federal minister from Punjab, Saira Afzal Tarrar.

Earlier NAB has always been criticised from the opposition lawmakers ofbeing soft on the Punjab government and the PML N Ministers.

NAB decided to initiate an inquiry against the health minister over chargesof corruption in registration of private medical colleges and fixation ofdrug prices.

Speaking to the media, the minister said that a health minister has no rolewhatsoever in any process related to recognition of medical and dentalcolleges by PMDC.

“Recognition of medical and dental colleges is the exclusive domain ofPMDC, an autonomous regulatory body. It is regrettable that my name hasbeen clubbed with President PMDC in a matter where the Minister has noauthority or role. I am not addressing this press conference to avoidaccountability rather I request Chairman NAB to initiate the inquiry onimmediate basis and conclude it in fifteen days”, clarified Tarar.

The federal minister further stated that her family has been in politicsfor the last one hundred years and takes pride in its impeccablereputation, and she has also upheld the highest level of transparency inher decade long career.

She believes that as a federal minister and a public representative it isher basic right to be heard before any investigation is initiated.

The minister informed that she was writing a letter to chairman NABexpressing her and will also request for conclusion of the probe withinfifteen days so that it does not affect her campaign for the upcomingelections.