Former EOBI chairman arrested for alleged involvement in property scam

Zafar Iqbal Gondal had purchased 18 properties worth Rs34 billion from different parties through dubious agreements


Web Desk September 23, 2014

ISLAMABAD: The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) arrested on Tuesday former chairman of the Employees’ Old Age Benefits Institution (EOBI) Zafar Iqbal Gondal for alleged involvement in a property scam, Express News reported.

Zafar Iqbal had filed a petition for legal protection in the Supreme Court earlier, claiming that the FIA was harassing him. However, he was arrested from outside the apex court today.

He can only be released from jail if he is bailed in all 15 cases filed against him in Lahore, Islamabad and Karachi.

On September 19, FIA's Punjab, Sindh and Islamabad chapters declared Gondal guilty and the principal accused in a Rs34 billion scam, The Express Tribune had learnt.

During the tenure of Pakistan Peoples Party's regime, the EOBI’s former chief – who is the younger brother of the then federal minister Nazar Gondal – had purchased 18 properties in Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad worth Rs34 billion from different parties through dubious agreements.

The purpose of investment in real estate was to gain kickbacks and commissions from the sellers after purchasing their properties at prices much higher than their market value – a transaction that caused huge losses to the national exchequer, sources familiar with the matter told The Express Tribune.

An FIA report available with The Express Tribune said the EOBI purchased these properties in a non-transparent manner by bypassing the PPRA Rules and Operating Manual of the EOBI rules.

COMMENTS (4)

ahmed | 9 years ago | Reply

Not surprised both political parties are skilled in the art of state graft...AZ and SB operatives operative the same way...only transactions bring them wealth and their masters otherwise what business does this zamindar from Gujra Mandi baha ud din has buying properties in Karachi and Islamabad. They all serve their masters well be it Hajj scam or Metro Bus there is money to be made in these transactions hence a manufacturing plant or factory or an educational institution would never see the light of the day in our democracy!

Fawad | 9 years ago | Reply

Exemplary punishment should be given to him, if found guilty.

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