SHC gives NAB deadline in PSM case

Court hears appeal against Pakistan Steel Mill’s ex-boss in corruption reference

KARACHI:

The Sindh High Court (SHC) has given a deadline to the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) to clear the judicial objections on the appeal against the acquittal of former chairman of Pakistan Steel Mills (PSM), Moin Aftab Sheikh, in mega corruption reference.

A two-judge bench headed by Justice Naimatullah Phulpoto heard the appeal. The NAB prosecutor once again sought respite to clear the objections. The court gave a deadline to resolve the objections. The court adjourned the hearing indefinitely.

The NAB had contended in the appeal that the trial court had ignored the facts, therefore, Sheikh's acquittal should be declared null and void.

Seeking permission to go abroad

The Sindh High Court has sought the record of the case against a builder Haji Adam Jokhio as well as his medical history from the Trial Court on an application seeking permission to go abroad for medical treatment in a NAB reference pertaining to defrauding the public in the name of a housing society.

A two-judge bench, headed by Justice Naimatullah Phulpoto, heard the petition.

The petitioner's counsel stated that Jokhio was ill and wanted to go abroad for medical check-up. Justice Phulpoto remarked, "Where is the medical report of the accused? What is the disease? If it is a genuine matter then reports should be submitted in the court." The court inquired whether Jokhio had previously left the country. The counsel stated that he wanted to go for treatment for the first time.

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Meanwhile, the investigation officer said that the accused has applied for plea bargain which is being reviewed. "Jokhio should not be allowed to leave the country," the IO contended. The court sought medical history of the accused besides seeking the record of the case against him from the trial court. The court adjourned further hearing of the petition till December 23.

SBCA official issued show cause notice

SHC has issued a show cause notice to Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA)'s Assistant Director Jamshed Town on a petition against construction of portions on a residential plot in Mehmoodabad and summoned him in person for clarification. A bench comprising Justice Aftab Gorar and Justice Zafar Ahmed Rajput heard the petition.

The petitioner's counsel argued that illegal construction has been raised on a residential plot in Mehmoodabad No. 2. "Illegal portions are being constructed on 120 square yards residential plots," the counsel contended.

The court was furious over the non-appearance of Assistant Director Jamshed Town, SBCA. Justice Gorar remarked, "Are institutions run like this?" The court, while issuing show cause notice to Assistant Director Jamshed Town, SBCA, summoned the official in person for clarification on January 18.

Construction on amenity plot

The Sindh High Court has directed the KDA authorities to submit a fresh report in the petition regarding illegal constructions on an amenity plot in North Karachi.

A bench comprising Justice Aftab Ahmed Gorar and Justice Zafar Ahmed Rajput heard the petition. The court remarked, "How the construction was carried out on an amenity plot?" The petitioner's counsel argued that construction work was done on the amenity plot in North Karachi, Sector 16/B.

Meanwhile, the KDA's counsel said: "We have eliminated the encroachments."

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