Tag: NAB

  • Zardari wants to use presidential protection in NAB cases

    Zardari wants to use presidential protection in NAB cases

    President Asif Ali Zardari has filed for Presidential immunity under Article 248 of the Constitution in two National Accountability Bureau (NAB) cases. The clause provides protection to high-ranking state officials from all legal proceedings in court for any action taken by them during their terms in office.

    In the Park Lane Case, Mr Zardari is accused of allegedly using his influence to extract loans from the state exchequer for dummy corporations during his term as the President from 2008 to 2013. It is important to note that Mr Zardari, along with his sister and several other business associates, are accused in this case as well. However, the Presidential immunity only protects Mr Zardari.

    The other NAB case is known as the Thatta Water Supply reference in which Asif Ali Zardari and others are accused of illegally awarding different contracts to private contractors. Zardari’s counsel emphasized that President Zardari’s status as the country’s elected head granted him immunity from legal action, thus rendering the continuation of the case against him untenable.

    The accountability court has since issued a notice to the NAB, seeking a response to Mr Zardari’s application for immunity by April 22.

    President Asif Ali Zardari has filed for Presidential immunity under Article 248 of the Constitution in two National Accountability Bureau (NAB) cases. The clause provides protection to high-ranking state officials from all legal proceedings in court for any action taken by them during their terms in office.

    In the Park Lane Case, Mr Zardari is accused of allegedly using his influence to extract loans from the state exchequer for dummy corporations during his term as the President from 2008 to 2013. It is important to note that Mr Zardari, along with his sister and several other business associates, are accused in this case as well. However, the Presidential immunity only protects Mr Zardari.

    The other NAB case is known as the Thatta Water Supply reference in which Asif Ali Zardari and others are accused of illegally awarding different contracts to private contractors. Zardari’s counsel emphasized that President Zardari’s status as the country’s elected head granted him immunity from legal action, thus rendering the continuation of the case against him untenable.

    The accountability court has since issued a notice to the NAB, seeking a response to Mr Zardari’s application for immunity by April 22.

  • Hassan, Hussain Nawaz are free from all cases

    Hassan, Hussain Nawaz are free from all cases

    The Accountability Court in Islamabad has taken a significant step in the cases involving Hassan and Hussain Nawaz, sons of former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif.

    The court has acquitted them in the Flagship, Al-Azizia, and Avenfield cases, which are being handled by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB).

    Earlier, the court also suspended the perpetual arrest warrants after the voluntary appearance of the brothers before the court after reaching Lahore on March 13.

    They were received by their father, former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, at his residence, Jati Umrah.

    In addition to suspending the arrest warrants, the court also granted bail to Hassan and Hussain Nawaz. As part of the bail conditions, each of them had to provide bail bonds worth Rs50,000.

    Both suspects made their appearances in court to mark their attendance. The court has summoned the NAB for the following day regarding the bail applications of the brothers. Furthermore, the court has approved their request to appoint a pleader, and they have chosen Rana Muhammad Irfan for the task.

    This decision from the accountability court comes after seven years, ever since the warrants for the brothers were issued, declaring them absconders.

  • Shahid Khaqan Abbasi hints at launching his new political party

    Shahid Khaqan Abbasi hints at launching his new political party

    Former Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi has hinted at launching a new political party soon, ARY News reported on Tuesday.

    “We are holding consultations and groundwork is in progress for a new political party,” he told the media while arriving for a NAB hearing. “The country needs a new political party,” he said.

    The senior politician requested that the president and prime minister abolish the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) as it is necessary to save the country.

    “I don’t want withdrawal of cases against me but decision on all these cases,” he said.

    Abbasi also said on a question regarding his meet-up with Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supremo Nawab Sharif that “I am ready to meet him, when he will summon.”

  • Court grants bail to Hassan, Hussain Nawaz till tomorrow

    Court grants bail to Hassan, Hussain Nawaz till tomorrow

    The Accountability Court in Islamabad has suspended the perpetual arrest warrants of Hassan and Hussain Nawaz, sons of former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, in the Flagship, Al-Azizia, and Avenfield cases handled by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) after the brothers voluntarily appeared before the court.

    The court also granted their requests for bail. They had to provide bail bonds worth Rs50,000 each in exchange.

    Both suspects appeared in court to mark their attendance. The court also summoned the NAB for tomorrow regarding the bail applications of Hassan and Hussain Nawaz. Their request to appoint a pleader was granted, and they chose Rana Muhammad Irfan for the task.

    The judge asked if they were the only two nominated in the three references. Qazi Misbah replied that they were co-accused in all three references, adding that the remaining accused had been acquitted of the charges. In the flagship reference, the trial court itself had acquitted the two, he added. 

    After that, the court adjourned the hearing until tomorrow.

  • Hassan, Hussain Nawaz reach Lahore after suspension of arrest warrants

    Hassan, Hussain Nawaz reach Lahore after suspension of arrest warrants

    After the suspension of arrest warrants by an accountability court, Hasan Nawaz and Hussain Nawaz — sons of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supremo Nawaz Sharif- have reached Lahore on Tuesday.  

    Former prime minister Nawaz Sharif received his sons at his residence, Jati Umrah, Geo has reported.

    Last week, an accountability court suspended the arrest warrants for Hassan and Hussain Nawaz in the Al-Azizia, Flagship, and Avenfield cases.

    Judge Nasir Javed of an accountability court announced the decision. The arrest warrants for Nawaz Sharif’s sons are suspended until March 14.

    The warrants of the brothers were issued seven years ago when the court had declared them absconders.

    Earlier, their lawyer Qazi Misbah filed the plea seeking suspension of the warrants were filed as both brothers planned to return to Pakistan on March 12. National Accountability Bureau (NAB) prosecutors Sardar Muzaffar, Usman Masood and Sohail Arif also appeared in the court.

  • No more NAB cases against Sharif Family

    No more NAB cases against Sharif Family

    National Accountability Bureau’s (NAB) Executive Board, chaired by the NAB Chairman, approved the closing of an investigation into the Sharif Trust case involving Sharif’s family including Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) supremo Nawaz Sharif.

    The meeting convened on January 1 to approve the closure of corruption cases, including those against PML-N leader Nawaz Sharif and his family.

    The meeting approved shutting down six corruption cases, notably a 24-year-old case against Nawaz Sharif and his family in the Sharif Trust case. This decision brings relief to the former premier and his family members.

    Among the closed cases was an inquiry into Islamabad Inspector General Akbar Nasir in the Safe City corruption case. Additionally, the board decided to conclude the investigation into the Park Enclave Housing Society, involving officers of the Capital Development Authority (CDA). Another inquiry against federal officers for alleged preferential recruitment was also approved for closure.

    Furthermore, the NAB board approved to close an inquiry against Shahid Malik and Shahbaz Yasin Malik, the CEO of Hilton Pharma.

    The investigation into the Sharif family regarding the Sharif Trust Case was initiated on March 31, 2000, based on allegations of receiving funds through illicit means, lack of audits, misappropriation of funds, and benami property acquisition by the Sharif family in the name of the Trust.

    The Panama Papers Joint Investigation Team (JIT) report, submitted to the Supreme Court, had criticized NAB for delays in the investigation and urged prioritization.

    Under the recently amended National Accountability Act 2002 by the previous PDM government, the NAB has concluded the Sharif Trust investigation under Section 31-B.

    This decision by the NAB’s Executive Board marks a significant development in the ongoing legal proceedings against the Sharif family, as they receive a respite from multiple longstanding corruption cases.

  • Accountability court freezes bank accounts of Malik Riaz, PTI leaders in £190 million case

    Accountability court freezes bank accounts of Malik Riaz, PTI leaders in £190 million case

    An accountability court in Islamabad ordered on Tuesday that the bank accounts of property tycoon Malik Riaz and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders, including Shahzad Akbar, Zulfi Bukhari, and Farah Gogi, be frozen in relation to the £190 million case.

    The Accountability Court has ordered to freeze the assets and bank accounts of six suspects in the said case.

    The accountability court has also ordered the seizure of vehicles registered in the name of the suspects , while also issuing permanent arrest warrants after declaring them absconders.

    On December 1, 2023, the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) filed a reference against PTI founder Imran Khan, his wife Bushra Bibi, and others in the case of £190 million National Crime Agency (NCA), the UK.

    The reference from NAB, Rawalpindi, alleges that the accused individuals, in collaboration with each other, have engaged in acts of corruption and corrupt practices, as outlined and punishable under the National Accountability Ordinance (NAO) of 1999.

  • Mureeds of Shah Mehmood Qureshi protest against ‘ill-treatment’ by police

    Meher Bano Qureshi, daughter of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Vice Chairman Shah Mahmood Qureshi, said that the treatment being handed out to her father is unbearable for his “mureeds.”

    She was a guest on a podcast on the digital channel of Hum News.

    The mureeds of Shah Mehmood Qureshi protested on Thursday against the ill-treatment of police and the ‘bogus’ case against him.

    “The people of Umarkot came out of fear. Peaceful protest of Ghousia Jamaat followers and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf workers in Umarkot against the humiliation and bogus arrest of Makhdoom Shah Mehmood Qureshi by the Rawalpindi police.”

    @ik.imrankhan00 عمرکوٹ کی عوام خوف کے بت توڑ کر نکل آئی۔ کل راولپنڈی پولیس کی جانب سے مخدوم شاہ محمود قریشی کی تذلیل کرنے اور بوگس گرفتاری کے خلاف عمرکوٹ میں غوثیہ جماعت کے مریدین اور پاکستان تحریک انصاف کے کارکنان کا شہر میں پر امن احتجاج #ReleaseSMQ#releaseimrankhan #سیاسی_انتقام_بند_کرو #PakistanUnderFascism #foryou ♬ original sound – pti offical

    “The people of Khipro on the streets against oppression! Full peaceful protest of Ghousia Jamaat Khipro on ill-treatment of Shah Mehmood Qureshi and arrest in the bogus case.”

    @teamsmq کھپرو کے عوام ظلم کے خلاف سڑکوں پر! شاہ محمود قریشی کے ساتھ ناروا سلوک اور بوگس مقدمے میں گرفتاری پر غوثیہ جماعت کھپرو کا بھرپور پرامن احتجاج۔ #ReleaseSMQ ♬ original sound – riShi

    Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi is the Sajjada Nasheen of Shrine Hazrat Bahauddin Zakariya (R.A).

    After Hur and Sarwari Jamaats, the Ghousia Jamaat has the most influence in Sindh.

    Pir Pagara is the Sajjada Nashin for Hur Jamaat and Makhdum Amin Fahim for Sarwari Jamaat.

    Their “gaddis”- religious centers- are in Pir Jo Goth and Hala.

    While the gaddi for Qureshi’s followers is in Multan, the city used to be a part of Sindh till 1818 when Maharaja Ranjit Singh captured it. Hence, a large number of Bahauddin Zakariya’s followers are from Sindh.

    A few former parliamentarians in Sanghar, Hyderabad, and Tando Allahyar districts are diehard followers of Ghosia Jamaat, who were elected in the 2008 elections because of their influence in the community.

    Besides Tharparker, Sanghar, Tando Allahyar, Ghotki, Umerkot, Larkana, Kamber Shahdadkot, Shahdadpur, Mirpurkhas, Badin, Thatta and Jacobabad districts also have a large following of the Ghousia Jamaat.

  • ‘I was tortured mentally, physically in jail,’ Shah Mehmood claims

    ‘I was tortured mentally, physically in jail,’ Shah Mehmood claims

    Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Vice Chairman Shah Mahmood Qureshi claimed to have endured mental and physical torture during his incarceration.

    The former Foreign Minister appeared before Duty Magistrate Syed Jahangir Ali in the GHQ attack case, asserting that he was subjected to harsh conditions, both mentally and physically, and exposed to severe cold weather while in jail.

    During the court session, he insisted on recording his statement in the presence of his counsel, expressing dissatisfaction with the police’s attempt to obtain his statement without legal representation as per Geo News.

    The former foreign minister said he was being treated in jail for the past several months in the same manner. “Is this justice? I am tortured,” he asked.

    Qureshi said he will swear on the Holy Quran that he was not present in Rawalpindi on May 9 and instead, he was in Karachi that day.

    “I was with my wife in the Aga Khan Hospital. Get the record from PEMRA, I was present in Karachi,” said Qureshi.

    Qureshi, who had previously been granted bail by three Supreme Court judges, questioned the justice system, highlighting the fluctuating circumstances of his arrest and release.

    He said that he was arrested under Maintenance of Public Order (MPO) 3.

    “One night I am arrested and in the morning I am told that I am being released. When I asked what made it happen, they replied there is a loophole in the case,” he said.

    Qureshi said he was ordered to be arrested on December 26 then the date was changed to 27. He was within the jail’s premises when Punjab police arrived to arrest him, he said.

    “I have been a member of the assembly for five times. SHO Ashfaq tortured me. He kicked and punched me,” he said. He said he felt pain in his chest for which he was begged the superintendent police for hours to take him to hospital.

    “A doctor was called who was carrying just a blood pressure checking machine,” he added.

    Earlier, the Rawalpindi Police reportedly barred journalists from entering the judicial complex, citing a ban on media coverage of the GHQ attack case against Qureshi.

    His legal counsel expressed concern over the restriction, questioning the nature of an in-camera trial with limited media access.

    Qureshi’s daughter, Meher Bano Qureshi, filed a petition with the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) against what she termed the “unlawful abduction” of her father, as per Geo News.

    Meherbano stated in the petition that Qureshi had been granted bail by the Supreme Court, and referred to the remark of Justice Athar Minallah, who stated: “The incarceration of the petitioners will not serve any useful purpose.

    Moreover, their release on bail during the period of elections would ensure ‘genuine elections and thus enable the people to exercise the right to express their will effectively and meaningfully.”

    The PTI vice chairman’s recent arrest, just after securing bail in a cipher case, raised questions about the circumstances surrounding his detention.

    President Arif Alvi also weighed in, calling on authorities to address the alleged mistreatment of Qureshi and uphold human rights and dignity.

    “We must not become a state where human rights and dignity are violated without fear. Authorities must pay attention to the confiscation of documents, the brutal action against the protesters, and now the indecent treatment of the former foreign minister by two governments,” Alvi wrote on X (former Twitter).

    The arrest is linked to cases related to the May 9 riots following the arrest of PTI founder Imran Khan. Qureshi is implicated in a GHQ attack case and is expected to appear in an anti-terrorism court (ATC) for further proceedings.

  • Anti-corruption victory: NAB recovers Rs2.3 trillion, saves $10 billion

    Anti-corruption victory: NAB recovers Rs2.3 trillion, saves $10 billion

    National Accountability Bureau (NAB) Chairman Lt Gen (retd) Nazir Ahmed announced a significant achievement, revealing that the bureau has successfully recovered an impressive amount of Rs2.3 trillion and saved over $10 billion in savings for the national exchequer. 

    Speaking at an event, he highlighted the necessity of collective efforts in combating corruption, emphasising that every instance of corruption should face consequences.

    Chairman Nazir Ahmed underscored the importance of collaboration among all stakeholders, stating that the eradication of corruption is a shared responsibility that no single institution can accomplish alone. 

    He reiterated NAB’s commitment to fulfilling obligations outlined in the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC), emphasising that documenting the economy is a crucial step in reducing corruption.

    Prominent economist Dr Ashfaque Hasan Khan and UNODC Pakistan’s Country Representative, Jermey Milsom, attended the event as guest speakers. 

    Dr Khan, in his keynote speech, emphasised the citizen’s responsibility to register in the taxation system for access to state welfare benefits.

    He highlighted the plight of individuals in the informal/unregistered economy facing poverty due to limited access to banking incentives, proposing a restructuring of the tax system to provide incentives rather than relying solely on punitive measures.