PML-N indecisive over Bokhari's nomination as NAB chief

Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) is indecisive whether or not to accept former Naval Chief Admiral Fasih Bokhari as chairman National Accountability Bureau (NAB), as the major opposition party has started deliberations over the name after the leader of the opposition in National Assembly Chaudhy Nisar Ali Khan received President Zardari's letter seeking his consultation pertaining to the nomination.
Sources within the party told Business Recorder that there were two views within the party- the popular one is against the appointment of Bokhari as chairman NAB on the basis of what they believed the move as part of appointments made on political grounds by the incumbent dispensation while the second but less popular is in favour of the former naval chief to head the accountability body.
However, they said the party has started deliberations on the nomination following a letter by President Zardari to Chaudhry Nisar and it is likely to be responded in few days. Meanwhile, talking to media persons outside Parliament House, PML-N's leader Chaudhry Barjees Tahir termed Bokhari as 'controversial' personality and according to him he (Bokhari) was not a 'suitable' person to be appointed as NAB chief. "He is a controversial figure and the nomination has been made owing to his close association with President Zardari," he blamed, adding that the constitutional slot should be filled with a suitable and non-controversial person.
Another PML-N leader Captain Safdar (Retd) dubbed Bokhari's nomination as political appointment, saying that President Zardari has continued to appoint his aides on top constitutional posts. PML-N's another leader Ayaz Ameer, though speaking on his personal capacity supported the nomination of Admiral Fasih Bokhari as chairman NAB. "Though I am not spokesperson of PML-N, in my personal view, it is a good proposal," he said, while speaking to media persons outside parliament house.
The appointment of chairman NAB has become a challenge for the government owing to controversies since the resignation of its former head Naveed Ahsan in the light of Supreme Court's judgement in National Reconciliation Ordinance (NRO) case. Earlier, the government had also proposed former judge Mukhtar Junejo for the slot, but leader of the opposition in National Assembly rejected his nomination on the grounds that it would not be possible for Justice Junejo to take up such a hectic assignment owing to his health condition.
The leader of the opposition had also rejected another nominee, Justic Deedar Hussain Shah when his consultation was sought by Prime Minister Gilani in this regard, but even then the government appointed Deedar. However, the move was challenged by leader of the opposition in Supreme Court and he (Deedar) has to resigned when the apex court declared his appointment null and void. Meanwhile, sources within the PML-N said Chaudhry Nisar would respond President's letter in few days after getting free from death ritual of his brother-in-law and consultation within the party.