Money laundering case: NAB team visits Imran's Zaman Park residence

Officials of anti-corruption watchdog were not allowed to meet deposed premier due to 'security concerns’

News Desk March 06, 2023

NAB Islamabad team was stopped by Imran Khan's security personnel over 'security' concerns. PHOTO: EXPRESS

A team of the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) visited the residence of former prime minister and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chief Imran Khan in Zaman Park, Lahore, on Monday in connection with a money laundering case, Express News reported.

The NAB team, which had arrived from Islamabad, spent some time at the residence but was not allowed to meet with the former premier due to ‘security concerns’.

Imran Khan has been summoned by NAB on March 9 in connection with the Toshakhana (gift depository) reference.

The accountability watchdog has accused Imran Khan of illegally selling gifts received during his tenure as prime minister, including five Rolex watches, an iPhone, pair of cufflinks, a ring, unstitched cloth for pants and coat, and a Graff gift set containing one wristwatch, a special edition Mecca timepiece, an 18-karat gold and diamond pen, a ring, and a pair of cufflinks with a micro-painting of Mecca.

The NAB team also dispatched a notice to Imran Khan's residence in Bani Gala, Chak Shahzad, Islamabad, in connection with the same case.

This is the second time the NAB team has visited the PTI chief's Zaman Park residence, with the first visit taking place on February 24.

Earlier today, a district and sessions court in Islamabad dismissed Imran Khan's request to cancel the non-bailable warrant issued for him in the Toshakhana case, upholding the former prime minister's arrest warrant.

The day before, Imran Khan evaded arrest when his supporters prevented the Islamabad police from entering his Zaman Park residence amid high drama. However, the police were eventually able to serve the notice on Imran Khan, which was handed to his chief of staff Shibli Faraz, for "compliance" of the arrest warrants issued by the sessions court of the federal capital in the Toshakhana case.

The PTI chief has denied all allegations of corruption and money laundering, stating that they are politically motivated. He has also claimed that the NAB is targeting him as part of a broader campaign against his party.