NAB opposes acquittal plea of co-accused in case against Sindh CM

Murad Shah says Nasla Tower is being demolished on SC order

ISLAMABAD:

The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) on Wednesday requested the Accountability Court to dismiss the acquittal petition of a co-accused in Nooriabad Power Project reference against Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah.

AC-III Judge Syed Asghar Ali heard the reference filed by NAB. Syed Murad Ali Shah and others appeared before the court during the hearing on Wednesday. NAB submitted its comments against the acquittal plea of co-accused Niaz Ali Sheikh.

NAB investigating officer (IO) Hammad Kamal informed the court that according to the information of the authorities concerned, the accused Muhammad Ali had no property. The court asked the IO whether details were checked on the basis of identity card

The IO replied that details were sought from the Malir Development Authority, the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) and other agencies concerned. The court sought details of accused’s bank account and adjourned the hearing till January 11.

Later, talking to media persons after the hearing, Chief Minister Shah said that Nasla Tower was being demolished on the order of the Supreme Court but added that the apex court had not pointed to anyone for taking action.

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He said that the government was bound to abide by the Supreme Court order. However, he mentioned that Bani Gala and One Avenue was regularised yet Nasla Tower was being demolished. “My personal opinion was that if there was an irregularity, it can be regularised by imposing a fine etc.”

He called for forming a commission to identify the illegal constructions. “Who is responsible for illegal constructions,” he asked. “Cases related to illegal constructions are 25-30 years old. We will abide by the order of the Supreme Court,” he told reporters.

Responding to a question about the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM), Shah said that the opposition alliance was formed by the Pakistan Peoples Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari. “We can give the government tough time by the in-house change in National Assembly and Punjab Assembly.”

(WITH INPUT FROM APP)