Faryal Talpur challenges FIA's interim charge-sheet in money laundering case

Meanwhile, SC dismisses appeal seeking restoration of 29 'fake' bank accounts

ISLAMABAD/ KARACHI: Sister of former president Asif Ali Zardari and MPA-elect Faryal Talpur filed an application in the Sindh High Court (SHC) challenging the interim challan submitted by Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) in the Rs35 billion alleged money laundering case.

The petition stated that the charge-sheet does not confer money laundering nor did it directly name Talpur. Dismissing the allegations, it further added that the content of the interim challan failed to imply corrupt dealings.

Requesting for a stay order on the FIA investigations, Talpur prayed to the court to term the charge-sheet illegal.



SC dismisses appeal seeking restoration of 29 'fake' bank accounts

Meanwhile, the Supreme Court dismissed an appeal seeking restoration of 29 bank accounts deemed suspicious in the alleged Rs35 billion money laundering case.

A three-member bench headed by Chief Justice Mian Saqib Nisar and comprising Justice Umar Ata Bandiyal and Justice Ijazul Ahsan heard a joint appeal filed by Ansari Sugar Mill, TCB Sugar Mills and Noudero Chamber – wherein the petitioners prayed for the apex court to allow transactions using 29 ‘fake’ accounts, earlier opened in Summit Bank, Sindh Bank and United Bank Limited (UBL) for the alleged purpose of channeling illegal funds.

During court proceedings, the petitioner's counsel argued that the SC order to halt operations of said accounts will lead to the closure of their companies. Dismissing the petition, Justice Nisar remarked that the companies may shut down but the top court will only decide on the matter after the Federal Investigation Agency’s (FIA) inquiry in the matter was completed.



Case History

It is pertinent to note that the beneficiaries of the 29 dubious accounts include Co-Chairperson Pakistan Peoples Party Zardari and Talpur. However, the siblings were given relief by the SC when it directed FIA to halt all probes in the fake bank accounts case until after the general election.

Following the elections, FIA resumed investigation in the corruption case and summoned Zardari and Talpur on July 28 - but the siblings requested the agency for more time through their lawyers.