NAB questions Bilawal as PPP workers, police clash outside office

The Pakistan Peoples’ Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto appeared before the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) on Wednesday, after being summoned in a case pertaining to fake accounts.

The PPP leader arrived at the NAB office amid tight security as the police tried to stop the party workers from entering. The police and the party supporters broke into a scuffle with PPP workers chanting slogans. The police resorted to using water cannons to stop the party workers. The police has arrested 40 PPP workers.

During his appearance before NAB, Bilawal was asked 32 questions by the bureau, after which the PPP leader left the NAB office. He will address a press conference later today.

Before appearing before NAB, the PPP leader took to his Twitter and wrote that despite the announcement of former Chief Justice of Pakistan Saqib Nisar that he was 'innocent', the government continues to 'persecute political opponents'. The party chairman shared a picture of him and his mother Benazir Bhutto attending court hearings and said he, however, has a lot of practice of going to hearings.

Thank you all for supportive messages. Will be leaving for NAB pindi shortly. Despite CJ Nisar announcing that I am innocent, govt has no tolerance for constructive criticism & opposition voices, continue to persecute political opponents. Luckily I’ve had a lot of practice 👇 pic.twitter.com/VzAmUjRoL3

— BilawalBhuttoZardari (@BBhuttoZardari) May 29, 2019

Bilawal also criticized the government for issuing a notification to 'harass opponents' in Punjab, Islamabad and  Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Despite no official call to protest, party workers have begun to reach Islamabad. In violation of every Pakistanis democratic rights of freedom of assembly panicked govt. released a midnight notification to harass opponents in KP, Punjab & Islamabad. Dartay hain Tabdelee walay... pic.twitter.com/LVbF0BX7KX

— BilawalBhuttoZardari (@BBhuttoZardari) May 29, 2019

Earlier, the PPP leader had called his party supporters to gather at Zardari House to then go to the NAB office in a rally, where he was expected to appear. Security in and outside the court was tight, while entrance of any worker or supported was prohibited.