LAHORE:
As Additional Director General Zafar Qureshi laid the groundwork for a fresh offensive in the currently stalled investigation of the multibillion-rupee National Insurance Company scam, the government and its allies scrambled to seek the removal of the recently reinstated probe chief from the case – or at least buy more time.
Looking to re-establish his authority in a probe from which he was unceremoniously removed after making tremendous headway, Qureshi on Thursday dumped two federal agency prosecutors and called for appointing independent lawyers to replace them.
Meanwhile, Babar Awan – former law minister and a key member of the ruling Pakistan Peoples Party – filed a petition on behalf of key accused Moonis Elahi, calling for removal of Qureshi as the lead investigator in the NICL case.
But Quershi’s move has already caused a considerable stir. The move, sources say, has left the government as well as the PML-Q in a daze, because it leaves them helpless in the investigation as well as prosecution of the NICL case.
Expressing dissatisfaction over the prosecutors’ performance, Qureshi urged the FIA chief to appoint senior lawyers, who were capable of deflecting pressure and interference from any quarter.
This was decided in a meeting between Zafar Qureshi and four investigators working under him and FIA prosecutors – Assistant Directors Zia Islam and Zulifqar Chaudhry and Deputy Director, law, Malik Javed.
Qureshi justified his request, citing the appointment of lawyers other than government prosecutors in major forex scams such as the Khanani and Kalia case, sources privy to the matter said.
Sources said that Qureshi also asked the NICL chief to hire a lawyer or consultant for pursuing the NICL case before the court, while appointing FIA’s Deputy Director, Law, Malik Javed as a new member of NICL investigation team.
More cases are likely to be registered and further arrests are expected soon, including of Mohsin Habib Warraich, two NICL directors Javed Syed, Amin Qasim Dada and a business manager of Mohsin Habib Warraich, Rana Muhammad Ali, sources familiar with the matter told The Express Tribune on condition of anonymity.
Sources said that Rs420 million was still recoverable from the accused.
The team summoned Akram Warraich, another accused in the NICL scam, while investigators prepared paperwork for the cancelation of bail of Habibullah Warraich, who was released by court on condition that he would transfer land measuring 803 kanals and 19 marlas to NICL until he cleared all liabilities amounting to Rs420 million within 45 days. The land has still not yet been transferred despite the lapse of two months, sources said.
In Islamabad, Chaudhry Moonis Elahi, PML-Q leader Pervaiz Elahi’s son, filed a review petition on Thursday in the Supreme Court through his lawyer Babar Awan against Qureshi’s reinstatement.
Elahi contended that Qureshi had been reinstated without giving him a fair hearing. Accusing Qureshi of being partial against him, Elahi said that his personal bias would never allow him to conduct a fair inquiry.
He requested the court to review its decision to hand Qureshi the investigations of the case.
Elahi also sought a stay order on the apex court’s previous decision until it decided on his appeal.
Awan requested the court for an early hearing of Elahi’s petition. The court, however, told Awan that it would take up the matter later.
In Lahore, a district and sessions judge, Mujahid Mustaqeem Ahmed, on Thursday adjourned the hearing of NICL scam till September 6, accepting an application filed by Additional Director General FIA, who sought a one-month adjournment in the proceedings in order to complete the charge-sheet.
On Thursday, the FIA was expected to submit its reply on an acquittal application of Moonis Elahi.
Interestingly, the FIA’s additional director general’s application was not filed via any prosecutor.
(WITH REPORTING BY QAISER ZULFIQAR IN ISLAMABAD AND RANA YASIF IN LAHORE)
Published in The Express Tribune, August 19th, 2011.
COMMENTS (28)
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It has already been expected ans expressed by concerned quarters.
I don't know that Monis is guilty or innocent, what I know that he has a right of unbiased investigator. Zafar Qureshi has accused Monis of piloting his murder, Monis accused Qureshi of being biased as his brother lost MNA election against.
Can Brother of PMLN defeated ticket holder do justice with someone who is piloting his murder?
Chief Justice is playing very dirty and dangerous politics and destroying the state structure. Each of his act is above constitution and rule of law. I would not wonder if once again he is arrested - but this time at least I would distribute sweets rather than protesting in his favor.
I don't know where frOm pml n comes into this, some people simply can't appreciate Zafar's efforts bcos they biasd
Zafar Qureshi seems to be honest, he even investigated against PML (N) Anjum Aqeel. Those who are alleging him of biasness really believes that Moonis is innocent? Ask Moonis himself, he will be surprised that you don't know!
Why all concentration on Moonis ??????????????/ Where are the main culprits
The matter is still being investigated. After the investigation the offence will be tried by a court. the question is IF Moonis is innocent (innocent unless proven guilty), will ZQ have the guts to say so as the investigator without fear of being lynched by the media. Will the court trying the offence have the guts to say so without fear of inviting SC wrath? Will the public now accept that decision? Justice works both ways....Moonis may be guilty but he has a right to a fair trial and not media trial or mob justice.
@ basharat its not biased...its called doing his job.
Justice for sale!
Chief Justice is controlling the investigation, prosecution, as well as the judgement. Only defense is left out. My request to the honorable CJ is that he should appoint Akram Sheikh as the defense lawyer, to put a stamp on his Adl-e-Jahangiri.
I think in the revised challan Mr. Qureshi will now also nominate both Nawaz and Shahbaz and their family members as beneficiaries of this loot because both parties are well known for looting the nation in a very "Technical Way".
The unusual interest and interference in the investigation the Chief Justice of pakistan, appears to be a biased attitude towards the accused. It has been contended that the Chief Justice is personally pursuing the case, in order to make sure that proper investigation is done. I am afraid the courts cannot interfere that much in the investigation, they are not investigation agencies by any stretch of imagination. If the court exceeds its domain and interfere in the investigation it will make the case doubtful. The trial court has permitted the F I A to submit a revised challan within a period of one month; the concession is again, unusual. Hundreds of terrorists alleged to have been acquitted due insufficient evidence, astonishingly, there was not even a single suo moto notice in any one of them. Justice also appear to have been done.
Please excuse my earlier post. I know and the world knows about the large scale corruption in India. The world witnessed it during the games and now more revelations of Priyanca husband corruption. Corruption by Uma Bharati and many others politicians have taken corruption to new heights. We Indians are corrupt to our core and just come here to satisfy our chicken sized egos. Please ignore and pray for our forgiveness from Bhagwan. Ram Ram
go head abravo qureshi, our prayers are with you.
Its sad to see people in pakistan criticizing the CJ for all the work he has done! people here criticize him for pushing for the appointment for zafar qureshi and other personals.
I guess thts the biggest difference between paksitan and india.
Indians want to create a separate body (lokpall) that would take care of allt he corruption cases, whose leaders will not be appointed by the opposition leader or the prime minister. But by 2 senior most judges and few civilians who have won national recognition.
No politician will ever have the clear motive of removing corruption thats just a sad fact. India realises that, WHEN WILL WE?
Why His Royal Highness CJ, the PML_N future President of Pakistan includes Zafar Qureshi, another PML-N leader and future Interior Minister, if PML-N can ever come to power in 15 year's time, include Zafar Qureshi in the bench through a Supreme Court verdict.As 120 judges were expelled through unconstitutional means.of court orders. It will make him the investigator, the prosecutor and the judge....that CJ himself has also become. Pakistan's existence is at stake.... Remember Churchill's words....If the courts are dispensing JUSTICE nobody can harm UK. In Pakistan there is no JUSTICE. Only political games by the judiciary.
@FZ: He is living in four star guuest house with 24 hrs airconditioners running at the expense of yours and mine tax money. He should be shifted to a jail like other persons. why this discrimination. SC should take its notice. We are already paying heavily for the luxuries of these so called leaders.Be strong, Zafar Qureshi.Mr FZ please dont have soft corner for these people
it won't be long before mr qureshi will be paid his price
Guys he is not in jail...he is living in farm in house and presented as jail...he is your future leader go our and vote for him...and they cry kai bijli nahi pani nahi...corruption hia...in ko select kerloo ya roo loooo...select one of them...how he transfeered big amount in pounds to UK which is already reported by UK
The transaction trail of the accounts is a solid proof of Moonis being guilty. ill gotten money by these plunderers belongs the poor of this country. May ALLAH give long life, health and courage to make bold decisions in the wake of CHALAKIAN of this wicked alliance. The world and the youth of this country are watching this episode with keen eye.
IF PML Q can play many games with the help of Goverment....to save it self..... Why cant zafar qureshi play a game of revised challan...............
Now a revised chalan,lol what kind of game zafar qureshi is playing?Mr.Qureshi like CJ Iftikhar CHaudhry...its yor right now to pay back to this nation as they helped ypou to come back...make an example that remains in the history for all officers...as a siymbol of pride...and these corrupt people cry rememebering them...Go On Sir...we only have hope from few braves like you.....
Now one realises why government did not want Zafar Qurishi back in job as investigating officer?
Mr Qurieshi: Do an honest job and let justice be done.
This guy certainly doesnt look like he is jail
Now a revised challan, He will never get bail from these courts becuase he is political enemy of PML(N).these courts with the help of Zafar qureshi playing political games. Bigger corruption and crime of Anjam aqeel got bail very easily and quickly but Moonis ellahi bail is dragging on by these courts.