NSA rubbishes reports of giving money to some MPs

KABUL (Pajhwok): The National Security Council (NSC) on Saturday rejected as baseless media reports that claimed some parliament members received money from the council while a number of lawmakers called for investigation into the matter.

Recently there were reports in the media that some lawmakers maintained covert relations with the NSC and received financial support, the NSA said in a statement, terming the reports as baseless.

“The National Security Council respects the parliament as the highest legislative body of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan and its members and considers such reports as baseless and rejects them.”

The publication of such reports was the work of biased elements who wanted to sabotage relations between the legislative and the executive and to create problems in making decisions by the two branches of the government in this sensitive situation, the statement said.

The NSA respected all members of parliament and was trying to increase coordination between the government and the parliament for the sake of finding solution to the country’s problems.

The issue was also discussed during today’s session of the lower house.

Wolesi Jirga member Abdul Sattar Hussaini said: “A list has emerged, which contains names of proud lawmakers and wealthy lawmakers. The NSC and the telecommunication ministry should be asked for help to reveal who published this list.”

“Death to such a lawmaker who misuses his authority and takes money from a minister,” he roared, asking all his colleagues to be united in defending the honor of parliament.

Another lawmaker, Fatima Kohistani, said corruption in Afghanistan was undeniable but crime was an individual act. She said the issue of some lawmakers receiving money from the NSA should be investigated.

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