Zardari files petition against FIA's 'parallel investigation' into fake accounts case

Published February 15, 2019
Former president Asif Ali Zardari says FIA's investigation violates apex court's order that had directed NAB to carry out probe. — File photo
Former president Asif Ali Zardari says FIA's investigation violates apex court's order that had directed NAB to carry out probe. — File photo

Former president Asif Ali Zardari on Friday filed yet another petition pertaining to an ongoing investigation of the fake accounts case, urging the Supreme Court to "restrain the FIA (Federal Investigation Agency)/JIT (Joint Investigation Team)" from probing the alleged scam.

According to the petition, the Supreme Court verdict that was passed last month, had directed an FIA JIT — that was constituted by the top court to probe the case — to assist the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) when required. Even though NAB has launched an investigation of the case, the FIA JIT was still "illegally" carrying out a "parallel inquiry"and was, therefore, violating the Supreme Court order, it said.

The appeal said that the JIT had summoned Abu Bakr Zardari, who is the legal adviser of the Zardari Group, on Feb 12 to question him on the matter. The investigation, the petition claimed, "amounted to parallel exercise of power" and was against Article 13 of the Constitution as well as the top court's verdict.

The petition further said that investigation of the same case by two departments at the same time "was likely to prejudice trial of the accused persons".

Though NAB has initiated an investigation, the FIA has yet to transfer the case officially. Yesterday, the FIA prosecutor had informed a banking court that NAB chairman had signed the request for the case's transfer and record was being transferred to the anti-corruption watchdog. An appeal will be filed in the Supreme Court in this regard by tomorrow, he had said.

The Supreme Court’s order last month asked the anti-corruption watchdog to conclude its investigation within two months. Those found guilty of corruption will have two options: either to face a reference or ask for a plea bargain.

The JIT had accused 172 people of having fake bank accounts and indulging in money laundering in its investigation report that was submitted to the apex court in December last year. They include PPP co-chairman Zardari, Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, Faryal Talpur, Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah and Bahria Town owner Malik Riaz.

Opinion

Editorial

Smog hazard
Updated 05 Nov, 2024

Smog hazard

The catastrophe unfolding in Lahore is a product of authorities’ repeated failure to recognise environmental impact of rapid urbanisation.
Monetary policy
05 Nov, 2024

Monetary policy

IN an aggressive move, the State Bank on Monday reduced its key policy rate by a hefty 250bps to 15pc. This is the...
Cultural power
05 Nov, 2024

Cultural power

AS vital modes of communication, art and culture have the power to overcome social and international barriers....
Disregarding CCI
Updated 04 Nov, 2024

Disregarding CCI

The failure to regularly convene CCI meetings means that the process of democratic decision-making is falling apart.
Defeating TB
04 Nov, 2024

Defeating TB

CONSIDERING the fact that Pakistan has the fifth highest burden of tuberculosis in the world as per the World Health...
Ceasefire charade
Updated 04 Nov, 2024

Ceasefire charade

The US talks of peace, while simultaneously arming and funding their Israeli allies, are doomed to fail, and are little more than a charade.