Officials who delay inquiry are dishonest, says ACC chief

Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) Chairman Iqbal Mahmood on Sunday said relevant officials will have to take responsibility for probe delays.
"Officials who delay inquiry are dishonest. They are no different from any officer who takes bribe," Mahmood said at a training programme of ACC officers.
He said the ACC has the power to issue legal directive against any person for information related to the inquiry or investigation.
"If anyone does not follow this directive, there is a provision of imprisonment or fine or both by filing a case against them," he said.
"Why are officials failing to obtain the necessary information within the deadline? The relevant officials must take responsibility," Mahmood said.
The ACC chairman said officials must complete investigations within the deadline. Some investigations were completed on schedule time.
"Some of them have thousands of excuses to cover up their negligence when they fail to fulfil their duties in a timely manner. But our institution also has many talented and honest officials who complete proper investigations within the deadline. What must people think of those who neglect their work? Assess the situation yourself," he said.
"The ACC has many good workers who conduct their investigations with skill and dedication. Both the plaintiffs and the defendants respect them. But those who are negligent should consider how they are perceived."
Useful investigations will only result if there is coordination between knowledge, homework and a desire to work, Iqbal Mahmood said.
"And so there is no alternative to training. We send our officials for training both at home and abroad. We will also take steps to monitor the effects of this training on the trainees' work."