Former Advisor to the Prime Minister on Accountability Shahzad Akbar reportedly resigned at the request of PM Imran Khan and his team, according to political insiders, as the PM thought the aide had failed to deliver on his mandated role.
Akbar had been tasked with investigating corruption allegations, including money laundering, against leadership of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP). However, the prime minister had reportedly been ‘unhappy’ with his aide’s performance, which had not yielded any tangible results.
In July 2020, Akbar had alleged that over Rs. 700 billion was stashed in overseas bank accounts, and vowed to return the laundered money to the country and its people.
“Shahzad Akbar had assured the prime minister that he would bring back the laundered and looted wealth within the first three years the government’s term,” said a source close to the PM told Dawn.
Sources claim that PM Imran Khan has already interviewed two candidates to replace Akbar’s position as ‘accountability czar.’
In a statement regarding Akbar’s departure, Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry remarked, “Taking action against mafias is not easy, but the way you worked and handled the cases is admirable. More important work is now awaiting you.”
The Information Minister confirmed that Akbar’s departure would not impact the accountability proceedings currently underway in court.
You worked under tremendous pressure,it was never easy to take on Mafias but way you worked and handled cases is admirable, more important work is now awaiting you Inshallah.. https://t.co/JSYKHYdCAt
— Ch Fawad Hussain (@fawadchaudhry) January 24, 2022
