PTI chief’s ex-aide appears before NAB

Former bureaucrat confirms he was 'eye-witness' to transactions; seeks more time to provide answers

ISLAMABAD/LAHORE:

Two days after purportedly recording a damning statement against PTI chief Imran Khan, Azam Khan on Friday appeared as a witness in the investigation against the former premier in the £190 million case.

The former prime minister's principal secretary appeared before the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) in connection with the investigation into the £190m settlement case to record his statement in front of the joint investigation team and answer questions.

Azam, as per the reports, said in his statement that he was an “eye-witness” to the said transactions while seeking more time to prepare for the questionnaire handed over by the NAB team.

While explaining the modus operandi of the transactions, the former bureaucrat said he was "witness to a lot of things and that Imran Khan also gave instructions in this regard".

He also reportedly alleged that then-accountability aide Shahzad Akbar was a key player in the preparation of a summary that sought the federal cabinet's approval of a deal with the UK's National Crime Agency (NCA).

Sources revealed he also was asked whether the NCA letter was shown to anyone in the cabinet meeting and what was the pressure from the PTI chief in his decision.

The anti-graft watchdog had earlier issued a notice to the former principal secretary on July 20, directing him to appear at NAB Rawalpindi.

According to the charges, the deposed premier and others allegedly adjusted Rs50 billion -- £190 million at the time -- sent by Britain’s NCA to the Pakistani government.

They also face charges of receiving undue benefits in the form of over 458 kanals of land at Mouza Bakrala in Sohawa to set up the Al-Qadir University.

Later, the then prime minister Imran acquired approval of the settlement with Britain’s crime agency from his cabinet on December 3, 2019, without disclosing the details of the confidential agreement. It was decided that the money would be submitted to the Supreme Court on behalf of the tycoon.

On May 9, Imran was arrested in connection with the case from the premises of the Islamabad High Court by dozens of Rangers personnel, triggering countrywide protests. However, on May 11, the Supreme Court came to his rescue, declaring that his arrest was “illegal” and ordered his release.

On May 12, the Islamabad High Court stopped the authorities from arresting the PTI chairman in any case, including undisclosed ones, filed against him anywhere in the country till May 15.

It also granted the PTI chief interim bail for two weeks in the Al-Qadir Trust case.

Imran deemed guilty of Jinnah House attack

In a related development, a Joint Investigation Team (JIT) in Lahore concluded its investigation into the May 9 incidents and compiled a comprehensive report that declared PTI chief Imran guilty, besides several others, in the Jinnah House attack.

Police investigations revealed that the accused, including the PTI chief, were involved in planning and executing the Jinnah House incident, as well as other incidents, indicating systematic planning behind these attacks.

During the investigation, crucial digital evidence, mobile videos, closed-circuit footage and mobile contacts were presented and verified.

The report highlighted that the statement given by the PTI chairman during the JIT proceedings was inconsistent with the presented evidence.

Similarly, other leaders who appeared before the JIT also provided statements conflicting with the established facts. Further, the mobile call records confirmed contacts between the PTI leaders and individuals connected to the incidents, the report stated.

The PTI leadership failed to provide satisfactory answers when confronted with digital and forensic evidence, it added. Aside from Case No 96/23, the PTI leaders were found guilty in other cases as well.

The geofencing report revealed the presence of the accused named and arrested in 10 cases at sensitive locations. The investigation reports for all cases would be promptly submitted to the court.

Separately, the Lahore High Court withdrew a stay order issued to the PTI chairman against coercive measures in the May 9 cases, wherein he was not nominated.

Justice Aalia Neelum heard the petition filed by the PTI chairman for consolidation of all cases of the May 9 riots against him.

A junior counsel apprised the court that senior counsel Sardar Latif Khosa was busy before the apex court and requested to adjourn the proceedings.

He also requested the court not to withdraw the stay order issued on the last hearing. However, the court adjourned further proceedings for an indefinite time but did not extend the stay order.

On July 14, the LHC had stopped the police from taking coercive measures against Imran in the May 9 cases, wherein he was not nominated.