A third scam: Court grants 13-day remand of Ziaullah

PESHAWAR:

The Ehtesab Commission obtained the 13-day remand of former mines and minerals minister Ziaullah Afridi in a third illegal mining scam. The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf MPA has been in custody of the commission since July 9. He was presented before the court of judge Subhan Sher Khan on Wednesday.

The third case was registered almost a week ago, but the suspect’s appearance in court was delayed due to the on-going investigation on previously framed charges.

Representing the commission, Qazi Babar Irshad accused Afridi of favouritism in the issuance of tenders and contracts. He said such acts inflicted losses worth millions of rupees on the national exchequer.

Upon hearing the arguments, the court granted the 13-day remand of the former minister. Separately, the Peshawar High Court issued a notice to the commission on Wednesday to submit its response against the bail application filed by Afridi.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 13^th, 2015.