Ahsan Iqbal. PHOTO: FILE
In a letter to the court, Iqbal claimed that Prime Minister Imran Khan withheld the budget of Narowal Sports City project that turned the project into ruins, so the PM should also be grilled.
Accountability court judge Azam Khan, in the absence of judge Muhammad Bashir, resumed the proceedings in the case.
The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) prosecutor sought a further 14-day remand, saying that the absence of a feasibility study of the Narowal Sports City project shows “maliciousness.”
More remand is needed as the documentation is voluminous, the prosecutor said, adding: “Ahsan Iqbal wanted to support his constituency and used the federal government’s exchequer as per wish.”
The prosecutor alleged that the PML-N leader has been involved in corrupt practices. After the 18th Constitutional Amendment, the Centre has no authority over provincial government projects.
Advocate Barrister Zafarullah opposed further physical remand, saying that the aforementioned amendment did not abolish the executive function.
Only legislative powers have been transferred to the provinces, he said, adding: “The project was reviewed by 20 members, including finance secretary. Why only Ahsan Iqbal is arrested?”
Calling the case as one of the “biggest jokes,” Iqbal said that no casino or club was created that needed to be punished. He added that not just a Narowal Sports City project, more sports complexes should be constructed as per the requirements of the country.
The PML-N leader quoted the Pakistan People Party tenure where Rs932 million worth of project was announced and said there are many projects that the federal government supports.
“They object that why the project was started in Narowal. Is Narowal in Israel or part of India? In 70 years no such project has been made. Imran government halted the budget of Rs400 million and ruined the project,” said Iqbal, arguing that resetting of the project will cost billions of rupees.
Contrary to NAB’s arguments, the former interior minister said that the NAB only inquired for one day out of the seven-day remand. “I lost the honour of voting in the Army Act Amendment Bill because of NAB,” he added.
The court accepted Iqbal’s physical remand till January 20 and said: “Complete your investigation. No further remand can be given. NAB can’t be given another 14 days remand.”
Judge Azam Khan said: “It is not difficult to get information from banks. Everything is online now.”
The court adjourned the hearing till January 20.
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