SHC seeks completion of inquiry against NICVD administration

Directs NAB to submit reports against hospital, Manzoor Wassan

KARACHI:

The Sindh High Court (SHC) has directed the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) to complete its inquiry against the National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases (NICVD) administration and submit a report at the earliest.

A two-member bench comprising Justice Muhammad Iqbal Kalhoro and Justice Shamsuddin Abbasi was hearing the bail pleas filed by NICVD's Dr Nadeem Qamar and others accused in the multibillion-rupee corruption inquiry.

The NAB investigating officer said that the inquiry against the accused was almost complete. However, original record of the hospital in the case is needed. Despite repeated letters to the hospital administration, the record has not been provided so far. The defence lawyer stated that an investigation was initiated into the recruitment of 20 employees. But NAB is seeking the record of recruitment of more than 5,000 employees, he contended. The record of eight years of stent placement to patients is being sought, he said.

The court directed Dr Nadeem Qamar and others to cooperate with the national anti-graft watchdog in the inquiry and provide the original records of the hospital.

The court extended the interim bail of the accused till October 15.

Bail extended

The same bench extended the pre-arrest bail of Pakistan Peoples Party leader Manzoor Wasan till October 5 on a petition against NAB's probe into misuse of power and having assets in excess of income.

The NAB representative apprised the court that the inquiry report has been sent to the NAB chairperson.

Justice Kalhoro remarked, "Why are you so late?"

At this, the NAB prosecutor said that the prosecution has given some observations regarding the inquiry.

During the hearing, the Wassan's counsel said his client's only request is that a decision be taken regarding the inquiry. The defence counsel said his client was concerned because of the delay.

The court gave a month's time for NAB to submit its report related to the inquiry. According to NAB, an inquiry is underway in Sukkur against the PPP leader.

Contempt of court

Meanwhile, another bench, comprising Justice Irfan Saadat Khan and Justice Muhammad Faisal Kamal, directed the Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA) to take action on a petition regarding illegal occupation of a school plot in PECHS Block-II.

The petitioner, K-Electric's, counsel contended that the power utility company has a grid station adjacent to the Government Girls High School. The counsel maintained that construction work was happening there, which was dangerous near the grid station.

The bench remarked that SBCA should exercise full powers under the law and take strict action and submit a report within seven days.

Illegal construction

The same bench issued a contempt of court notice to a builder on a petition against the construction of a building in Gulshan-e-Iqbal 13 D-3 without permission.

The petitioner's counsel stated that the building was being constructed on 120 yards of land. He prayed the court to order the builder stop construction immediately.

The bench issued a contempt notice to the builder and directed immediate halt of construction work.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 21^st, 2021.