NPF land scam: SC orders criminal proceedings against Anjum Aqeel

Published October 31, 2013
Former MNA Anjum Aqeel — File photo
Former MNA Anjum Aqeel — File photo

ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court (SC) has directed authorities to initiate criminal proceedings against Anjum Aqeel, former MNA of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), in the National Police Foundation (NPF) corruption case.

The apex court on Thursday issued its verdict in the NPF corruption case and declared that the agreement between the Police Foundation and Anjum Aqeel was based on corruption.

The apex court ordered the former MNA to pay the price of 126 canals or 88 developed plots of land within the next two months. It further ordered that Aqeel’s property be confiscated if he fails to pay up.

Anjum Aqeel was found guilty of quietly entering into an agreement with NPF officials to end a land dispute tainted with mala fide intentions.

Aqeel’s company, Land Linkers, procured land for development of a housing scheme in Islamabad for police personnel. However, senior NPF officials allegedly extended undue favours to Aqeel and got plots allotted in their own names.

Declaring the allotments illegal, the Supreme Court canceled the allotments of all the plots and ruled that they could be transferred back to the allottees should they pay the complete market price(s) for those properties.

Calling the agreement between Aqeel and the NPF board of directors one of the worst examples of corruption, the court ordered the Auditor General of Pakistan was also ordered prepare a comprehensive investigation report of the matter and submit it in the court within the next 90 days.

The court further ordered NAB to undertake action against Aqeel and his accomplices within 90 days.

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