Tauqir Sadiq’s return: Further delays expected

Sadiq's pending deportation to Pakistan has been delayed by 10 days.

ABU DABHI: Former Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) chief Tauqir Sadiq filed a request with the Abu Dhabi Ministry of Justice to review his deportation decision, Express News reported.

Sadiq claimed that his cancelled visa and deportation order was a “one-sided decision” taken by the government of the United Arab Emirates.

Following the request, his pending deportation to Pakistan has been delayed by 10 days. Sources say Sadiq’s estimated date of return to Islamabad will be March15.

The team consisting of members from the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) and Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) who traveled to the UAE to make arrangements for Sadiq’s return have returned to Pakistan unsuccessfully.

Previously NAB, with cooperation from the UAE government got Sadiq’s visa to the UAE cancelled.

Sadiq has been accused of embezzling a total of Rs83 billion during his tenure as Ogra chief. He had taken refuge in the United Arab Emirates after his senior appointment at the regulatory body was declared illegal by the apex court.

Earlier, Pakistan asked the UAE government for its cooperation to bring Sadiq back to Islamabad on the orders of the supreme court which is currently hearing petitions on the corruption allegations levelled against him.