News Desk |
A high-level National Accountability Bureau (NAB) huddle on Thursday, 7th February, reviewed the primary report on fake accounts case, besides analyzing progress in various other cases. Chaired by NAB Chairman Javed Iqbal, the meeting was held at NAB Headquarters, and attended by NAB prosecutor general, DG Operations, NAB DG Rawalpindi and other senior officers.
The Supreme Court had last month tasked NAB with probing the case after a joint investigation team report revealed that at least 29 bank accounts identified as fake had been used for money laundering to the tune of Rs42 billion. The report implicated former president Asif Ali Zardari, his sister Faryal Talpur, prominent banker Hussain Lawai, Omni Group’s Anwar Majeed, and other prominent bankers and businessmen.
In this specific case, the prime minister’s Special Assistant on Accountability Shahzad Akbar had said that NAB will not go for an inquiry but will initiate an investigation on the basis of the inquiry conducted by the JIT formed by the SC.
The top court had given two months to NAB to conclude its investigation. It had also ordered the body to submit a progress report every 15 days. Following the instructions, NAB Chairman Javed Iqbal had formed a combined investigation team (CIT) in a high-level meeting to probe the case. It was decided that investigations into fake bank accounts and money laundering would be taken to their logical conclusion in the light of the judgment of the apex court and on the basis of solid evidence.
Normally when a complaint is filed with NAB, the bureau initiates an inquiry. In case credible evidence is found, the inquiry is turned into an investigation, after which it is decided whether or not a reference should be filed in an accountability court.
In this specific case, the prime minister’s Special Assistant on Accountability Shahzad Akbar had said that NAB will not go for an inquiry but will initiate an investigation on the basis of the inquiry conducted by the JIT formed by the SC.
Read more: Fake accounts case transferred to Rawalpindi NAB
Some teams constituted by NAB in a meeting today are asked to record statements in light of evidence from Karachi and some have been assigned work at NAB Headquarters. The meeting discussed the transferring of fake accounts case under 16-A from Banking court Karachi to accountability courts in Islamabad. The NAB Chairman directed implementation of the judgment of the Supreme Court of Pakistan in letter and spirit by using all resources as per the law.