‘Proof of telegraphic transactions to Maryam sent to NAB’

PM’s aide says PML-N leader received Rs67 million from Hill Metals Establishment

ISLAMABAD: Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Accountability Shahzad Akbar on Friday said the government had provided the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) with evidence of five telegraphic transactions of up to Rs66.9 million from the Hill Metals Establishment in Saudi Arabia to the accounts of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Vice President Maryam Nawaz.

Addressing a news conference, Akbar said almost 85% percent of Hill Metals Establishment’s declared profit went to former prime minister Nawaz Sharif, of which a share of 80% to 85% was given to Maryam in the form of a “gift”.

“The details of the telegraphic transactions have been forwarded to NAB so that it can produce them as additional documentary evidence in the Hill Metals case pending before the accountability court-II,” he added.

The prime minister’s aide said Maryam had received Rs14 million, Rs17 million, Rs19 million, Rs7 million and Rs9.9 million in five different telegraphic transactions to two bank accounts at separate times from the Hill Metals Establishment.

“There is a unit that investigated cases and kept an eye 'swift messages generated after bank transactions,” he maintained.

"We obtained the details about these transactions from the countries where they were generated.”

Elaborating on the matter, Akbar said the telegraphic transactions were meant for investment as per the Form 'R' signed by Maryam.

Besides, he added, these transactions were not mentioned in her tax returns.

The prime minister’s aide accused Nawaz and his sons of being unable to provide the money trail for setting up the Hill Metals Establishment.

“The Joint Investigation Team (JIT) in its report had identified some payments to Maryam but there were no details,” he noted.

"Now the documentary evidence is available, which has been sent to NAB.”

Akbar said the Sharif family came to power in the 90s and enacted a law under which remittances were pouring into the country.

“The family made money through different means and sent the wealth abroad using the illegal practices of Hundi and Hawala to make assets, but is now unable to provide the money trail for their properties,” he added.

“The myth they [Sharif family] were born rich has been busted with the emergence of these telegraphic transactions. The family made their assets through this method.”

Replying to a question, the prime minister’s aide said the investigation and prosecution of white-collar crimes was different than those of ordinary offenses. “In these cases, the burden of proof is on the accused being a public-office holder.”

To a question about bringing back former finance minister Ishaq Dar, Akbar said he would meet the UK Secretary of State soon to discuss the matter.

Speaking on the Karachi JIT on fake bank accounts, he said the suspects taken into custody were opting for a plea bargain and becoming approvers, “This will help substantially in bringing corrupt elements to justice.