Go-ahead: LHC allows EOBI case accused to go abroad

He had sought permission to meet his ailing son in UK.

LAHORE:

The Lahore High Court on Thursday allowed Amir Shafi Ikram, one of accused in the Employee Old-Age Benefit Institution (EOBI) land case, to go abroad to meet his ailing son.

During the hearing, Shafi’s counsel said following the Supreme Court’s order, Federal Investigation Agency had initiated inquiry against 18 people in the alleged land sale of the EOBI. He said the FIA was also investigating the petitioner for selling three properties to the EOBI. He said his client had regularly met the FIA but his name had been placed on the Exit Control List in September 2013. He said he was unable to go abroad to meet his ailing son in the United Kingdom.

FIA DG Dr Usman Anwar said Shafi had gone aboard once even though his name was on the ECL but he had returned and joined the inquiry. At this, Justice Mazahar Ali.

Akbar Naqvi allowed the petitioner to go abroad after submitting a surety bond worth Rs2 million and directed him to ensure his return by June 25.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 30^th, 2014.