Court extends physical remand of key accused in Kohistan scandal

The Special Accountability Court in Peshawar has extended the physical remand of Ayub Khan, the main suspect in the Kohistan financial scandal, for an additional two days. The extension was granted following a request by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB), represented by Deputy Prosecutor General Muhammad Ali, who was accompanied by the investigation officer.

The court was informed that the accused, Ayub Khan, is involved in suspicious bank transactions and has also been found in possession of illegal assets. NAB revealed that the accused has submitted a plea bargain request, which is currently under review.

Deputy Prosecutor General Muhammad Ali told the court that further interrogation of the accused is necessary. He added that the investigation into the Kohistan scandal, a scam worth Rs40 billion, is ongoing. NAB is working to identify all those involved, the extent of corruption, and recover stolen assets. For this purpose, the extension in remand was deemed essential.

Granting NAB's request, the court extended the physical remand of the accused for another two days.

According to NAB, the Kohistan scandal involves Rs40 billion, with eight suspects arrested so far. NAB has recovered Rs25 billion in the form of luxury vehicles, lavish bungalows, and apartments. In addition, a significant amount of cash has been frozen. Several individuals, including newly elected Senator Azam Swati, are currently out on protective bail.