JIT formed in KKF corruption case

ATC directs former MQM senator to cooperate with the FIA investigation

KARACHI: A special anti-terrorism court (ATC) directed former Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) senator on Saturday to cooperate with the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) investigation in the Khidmat-e-Khalq Foundation money laundering case.

The former MQM senator Ahmed Ali and FIA officials appeared before the court. The FIA officials presented a notification regarding the formation of a Joint Investigation Team (JIT). The FIA officials requested the court for an extension to prepare the case. The court, accepting the request, adjourned the hearing till April 12. The court also prevented the FIA from arresting Ahmed Ali till then and asked the accused to fully cooperate.

According to the FIA, efforts are underway for the arrest of other accused involved.

According to sources, the former MQM senator was accused of money laundering worth millions of rupees. The founder of MQM, former senator Babar Ghauri and others are absconders in the case.

Meanwhile, in the case of burglary, police encounter and possession of weapons, ATC No. I sentenced accused Shahid Ali to 38 years of life imprisonment. Shahid Ali’s accomplice was released due to the lack of evidence.

According to police, Shahid Ali, along with his accomplice, attempted to rob a chicken shop in Saddar area. The police reached the site on time and foiled their attempt. The accused opened fire at police. They were arrested in 2016.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 10^th, 2019.