IHC irked at NAB over failure to produce Anwar Majeed's reports

NAB given time till next Monday to produce reports

ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) expressed annoyance at officials of the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) on Monday while hearing the bail plea of Omni Group chairperson Anwar Majeed, a prime accused in the fake accounts case.

A two-member bench comprising Justice Amir Farooq and Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kiyani heard the bail plea.

NAB failed to produce the medical reports of Majeed, which resulted in the court's displeasure.

To Justice Farooq's inquiry about the report, the NAB investigation officer (IO) said that he could not produce the report as flights have been suspended during the lockdown.

Irked, the bench remarked that the medical reports had been sought from NAB. The bench observed that the reports were to be brought from Karachi and no one from Islamabad was required to go anywhere. NAB has not been asked to scrutinise the reports, it only has to acquire them from the doctor, remarked the bench.

"What is the issue? Is the IO required to submit a questionnaire?" asked the judge.

The bench remarked whether a contempt of court notice should be served to the IO for not implementing court orders issued on March 31.

The bench lashed out at the IO and suggested he visit the jails himself where he could enjoy the hot weather. "Bring a toothbrush with you at the next hearing. You will be sent to Adaila Jail if you don't produce the medical reports at the next hearing," warned the bench.

The IO was given till Monday next by the court to produce the required reports.