Pakistan

PPP leader sheltering Anjum Aqeel

Wanted in a multi-billion rupee land scam, is believed to be under the protection of an influential leader of PPP

Express July 06, 2011

ISLAMABAD:

The term honour among thieves was given new meaning as Anjum Aqeel Khan, wanted in a multi-billion rupee land scam, is believed to be under the protection of an influential leader of the ruling Pakistan People’s Party. Apparently, Islamabad’s Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) MNA will be ‘available’ for interrogations by the police “soon”.

Sources told The Express Tribune that Khan had sought refuge from Pakistan Baitul Maal (PBM) Chairperson Zamurd Khan who was ready to ‘extend full support to him’. Zamurd Khan, however, dodged the query by The Express Tribune on his alleged role in giving shelter to Khan.

“This number had been changed,” replied the PBM chairperson in his own voice when contacted to take his side of the story. He did not take any subsequent calls made to him.

Sources in police confirmed that the PBM chairperson was influencing the case. “I am not certain if Aqeel was hiding at his place but he had definitely asked police high ups to not arrest him,” said a police official.

He added that in his message to the police high ups, Zamurd Khan had requested more time for the PML-N MNA, wanted in National Police Foundation (NPF) scam, saying, “Anjum will be available for interrogations at an appropriate time.”

Anjum had approached the PBM chief after he was reportedly turned away by his own party. The source further claimed that Anjum was so ‘disappointed’ at his party’s response that he might join PPP before next general elections.

The MNA’s name was put on the Exit Control List and police said a special team under Senior Superintendent of Police Tahir Alam was working to arrest him.

Aqeel is accused of embezzling nearly Rs6 billion worth of land that he acquired for the National Police Bureau through his unregistered firm Land Linkers in connivance with then officers of the NPF, Mohammad Amin and Iftikhar Ahmad, ex-Managing Directors, Laeeq Ahmad, ex-Director Housing and others.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 6^th, 2011.