NAB absolves Saad of corruption charges

The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) on Wednesday informed an accountability court that no further proceedings were required in the Paragon City reference against Federal Minister for Railways Khawaja Saad Rafique and his brother, Khawaja Salman Rafique.

It was stated in a supplementary reference filed by the NAB investigation officer regarding co-accused Nadeem Zia and two others.

In the supplementary reference, the investigation officer submitted that approver Qaisar Amin Butt had retracted his statement during the cross-examination.

He submitted that allegations against the accused, including Khawaja Saad Rafique, could not be established and the case did not seem to be a good prosecutable case in the given circumstances.

He submitted that after joining the investigations, the co-accused had tendered documentary evidence proving the monetary benefits were given to Khawaja brothers against their valid services.

He submitted that the society had not occupied any state land whereas its matters had been settled with the majority of the victims. However, a total amount of Rs 58 million of 8 victims was still disputed, he said, adding that four of the victims were defaulters of the society and other 4 were not ready to take possession of the land or receive money.