SC orders JIT to complete probe into fake accounts case by Dec 19

Allows NBP to initiate criminal, proceedings against the Omni Group

ISLAMABAD: The top court has granted two weeks to a joint investigation team (JIT) to complete its probe into the Rs35 billion fake accounts case, in which the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari and his close aides are among the key suspects.

“With respect to the final report by the JIT, let the same be submitted within a period of two weeks positively,” said a three-page written order issued by a three-judge Supreme Court bench, headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Mian Saqib Nisar.

The two-week time will end on Dec 19 and the bench will consider the final JIT report on December 24. The same bench, also including Justice Ijazul Ahsan and Justice Faisal Arab, formed the JIT to probe the fake accounts scam on September 5.

However, earlier the bench did not give a deadline to the JIT, comprising officials of the Federal Investigation Agency (JIT). The Sindh government, ruled by the PPP, has repeatedly come under fire for its lack of cooperation with the JIT.

Zardari has recorded his statement before the SC-constituted probe panel while the PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has submitted a written response to a questionnaire provided by the team.



The legal experts believe that the last ten days of December will be significant in determining the fate of both Zardari and the former prime minister Nawaz Sharif. The apex court has ordered an accountability court hearing two references against Sharif to give its verdict by December 24.

Coming days are also significant as the incumbent CJP Nisar is set to retire on January 18.

Different legal minds view Justice Nisar’s tenure differently. Some believe that the superior judiciary has become a powerful institution and is taking steps for enforcement of fundamental rights and restoring dignity of courts by initiating contempt proceedings against those who targeted judges.

However, his critics say the civilian supremacy has been damaged due to adjudication of political matters. They believe that during the past two years, either civilian leaders have been disqualified or are facing contempt charges.

They say the incumbent judiciary has been unable to end the misperception that it has a nexus with the military establishment. Renowned lawyer Babar Sattar said: “As a historical matter, in the de-facto model, the military sit atop the power pyramid with the judiciary as a junior partner and the two come together to hold the ruling civilian government accountable when it grows too big for its boots.”

Repayment of loans

In the fake accounts’ case, the apex court also allowed the National Bank of Pakistan to initiate criminal as well as civil proceedings against the Omni Group for removing pledged stock of sugar. Owners of the group are in custody due to their alleged role in the scam.

The order was issued after counsel for the Omni Groups chief Anvar Majid told the court that Majid has refused to repay outstanding amount to the bank for the shortfall or failure to pledge the sugar and/or unauthorised removal of pledged stock.

The court also termed as ‘unreasonable and unacceptable’ the Summit Bank’s request to facilitate an out-of-court settlement with the Omni Group by instructing the State Bank of Pakistan.