SC seeks LHC order to release Shehbaz in Ashiana case

Also asks SBP to propose options for investing money collected in dam fund

ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court has sought the Lahore High Court’s (LHC) order to grant bail to the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz President Shehbaz Sharif in Ashiana-e-Iqbal Housing Project case, noting that the SC has set the standard for giving bails in the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) cases.

A three-judge SC bench, headed by Justice Sheikh Azmat Saeed and comprising Justice Faisal  Arab and Justice Ijazul Ahsan, was hearing on Wednesday bail petitions of Ali Sajjad Bhutta, Imtiaz Haider, Bilal Khudoi and Munir Zia – co-accused in the case.

When argument started, the counsel for the petitioners said the prime suspects in the case had been released on bail. Justice Saeed noted that the SC has clearly stated the standard to be used for bail in such cases.  Justice Ahsan said the LHC had used extraordinary powers for bails and that such powers can only be used in unusual circumstances.

During the hearing, the investigation officer (IO) told the court that Paragon Company used Bismillah Engineering as its front to get the contract and gave the Lahore Development Authority (LDA) former chairman Ahad Cheema and his family 100 kanal land.

“The amount for land was transferred to Bismillah Company from accounts of the Paragon Company.”



Justice Saeed said it was disappointing to see that such payments were openly made from bank accounts. The IO said contract for the project was cancelled in 2017 due to which the treasury had to face a loss of Rs200 million

He remarked it was fortunate that the perpetrators were caught in time otherwise they would have escaped. If there was nothing wrong, they would not give the 100 kanal land, he added.

The IO told the court that Shehbaz, Fawad Hasan Fawad and Ahad Cheema were the prime suspects. The court later demanded copies of the LHC verdict for releasing the suspects on bails. Hearing of the case was adjourned till March 13.

Construction of dams

The SC on Wednesday also sought investment proposals from State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) in respect to funds collected for construction of Diamer Basha and Mohmand dams excluding treasury bonds.

A five-member special bench, headed by Justice Sheikh Azmat Saeed and comprised Justice Umar Ata Banial, Justice Faisal Arab, Justice Ijazul Ahsan and Justice Munib Ahmed, heard the case regarding construction of Diamer Bhasha and Mohmand dams.

The Water and Power Development Authority (Wapda) chairman submitted a report regarding construction of dams. The counsel for Wapda said land purchasing process had been completed and the foundation stone laying ceremony would be held in March this year.

Justice Ahsan directed the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra) to take action against channels airing fake news about dams. The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) also submitted a report on water resources and collection of dam tax on mobile phones.

The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) chairman informed the court that legislation was needed for water resources and dam tax on mobile phones. Hearing of the case was adjourned till first week of April.