Records sought by JIT in fake accounts case cannot be provided immediately: CM Shah

JIT had complained to the apex court that the Sindh government was not cooperating in the investigation

KARACHI: Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah on Saturday told the Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Mian Saqib Nisar that the Federal Investigation Agency’s (FIA) joint investigation team (JIT) probing into a money laundering scam has sought 10 year record which could not be provided in a few days.

“I told the CJP that the JIT constituted in money laundering case has sought a detailed record of 10 years and the same would be provided but definitely it would take some time,” Shah said while talking to media after his meeting with the CJP at his chamber in the Supreme Court, Karachi Registry.

“The CJP has said provision of record to the JIT is job of concerned bureaucracy and not of the chief minister,” added Shah who was called on Friday after the SC bench hearing the case was told that the Sindh government was not cooperating with the JIT in its probe.



The CM said it was a time-consuming job to compile details of the last 10 years but they have done it. “The JIT wanted provision of such a huge record within two days which was impossible,” he said, adding that the chief justice also appreciated the provincial government for providing record to the JIT.

Shah said there are about 80 engineers in Irrigation and Works & Service departments. "We asked all of them to provide record of the contracts they have awarded during the last 10 years," he said.

He said the CJP had not summoned him but had called him for a meeting. The chief justice also said the media had given a wrong impression.  “My meeting with the CJP was held in a good atmosphere," he said, adding that the CJP congratulated him on his election as Sindh chief minister for the second time.

Shah said he was thankful to Justice Nisar for listening to him on various issues including health, Thar, dams and cleanliness. The CM said he briefed the CJP about the efforts he had made to improve conditions of Thar so far.

"I have requested the chief justice to visit Thar with me and witness the efforts we have made in health, education, infrastructure, livelihood and energy sectors," he said, adding that he was happy that the CJP also accepted his invitation.

Shah said the CJP appreciating his efforts said he had visited hospitals of the Khyber Pakhtunkwa but the hospitals of Karachi were much better. "I have requested the chief justice to visit NICVD and he has kindly agreed to my request," he said.



To a question, the CM said Daimer-Bhasha Dam project was actually conceived and approved by the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) government in 2010. "I have given a proposal to the chief Justice to meet with ANG Abbasi who has done a great work on water sector," he said.

He said once a meeting is held between them a committee could be constituted to identify the quantum of water which could be brought in the system and the committee would also explore ways means for conservation of water.

The CM said policy of the PPP on 18^th Constitutional Amendment was very loud and clear. "If anybody attempts to roll it back I can't do anything but it is not as easy as some people think," he said, adding that the provinces should be made more autonomous rather than being deprived of their autonomy.

Talking about Pakistan Quarters operation, Shah said the police had not consulted with the district administration but coordinated with land department of the federal government and started operation. "I have ordered an inquiry into the matter and action would be taken accordingly," he said.

Soon after his meeting with the CJP, the chief minister also met with the people protesting outside the Supreme Court Karachi Registry for redressal of their grievances and listened to their complaints.