Court seeks NAB clarification on summoning of two businessmen

KARACHI: The Sindh High Court directed the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) on Saturday to submit written comments regarding two businessmen who were involved in a transaction of plots. A two-member bench comprising Justice Muhammad Iqbal Kalhoro and Justice Shamsuddin Abbasi heard the bail pleas filed by the businessmen, Ikram Ilahi and Ehsan.

The counsel for the petitioners, Advaocate Haider Waheed, maintained that a deal was made for a plot in Defence Housing Authority in 2014. "NAB issued call up notices to my clients. What is their fault?" he asked.

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NAB prosecutor said that the businessmen have been summoned as witnesses not accused.

Waheed asked how his clients would have known this. "They approached the court out of fear and will only be satisfied if NAB submits this in writing before the court," he said.

NAB prosecutor maintained that the inquiry is still under way and the permission of NAB authorities is needed for any written statement.

The court directed NAB officials to submit written comments in the court on July 24.

Bail extended

The same bench extended the bail of Sohail, co-accused with former minister Sharjeel Memon, in a case pertaining to money laundering.

Sohail's counsel, Advocate Haider Waheed, maintained that his client worked in money exchange but has been accused of transferring Memon's money outside the country. "How would my client have known where the money came from and through what means?" he argued. The court extended the accused's bail till July 26 and adjourned the hearing on the bail plea. 

Published in The Express Tribune, July 7^th, 2019.