Agha Siraj Durrani's remand extended till end of June

Published April 26, 2019
NAB told to reply by May 10 in case of moving Sindh Assembly speaker to a better class in prison.  — DawnNewsTV/File
NAB told to reply by May 10 in case of moving Sindh Assembly speaker to a better class in prison. — DawnNewsTV/File

An accountability court on Friday further extended the judicial remand of Sindh Assembly Speaker Agha Siraj Durrani, who will now remain in custody till the fourth week of June in connection with a case concerning his alleged ownership of assets beyond his means.

The National Accountability Bureau had arrested the politician in February from Islamabad to investigate him for allegedly accumulating movable and immovable assets beyond his known sources of income. Other allegations include making 352 illegal appointments, embezzlement of public funds in the construction of the MPA Hostel and the new Sindh Assembly building, as well as the appointment of project directors for these schemes.

Durrani was produced before the court amid tight security upon the expiry of his remand in judicial custody.

The investigating officer informed the judge that the progress report in the case could not be submitted since the investigation was not yet complete.

The IO requested that more time be allowed to enable him to file a progress report in the matter.

Granting the request, the judge allowed him till the fourth week of June to submit a progress report in the case without fail. Till then, Durrani’s custody in judicial remand was also extended.

‘Better class’ in jail

The court also issued a notice to the NAB special public prosecutor to file a reply by May 10 on an application moved by the defence counsel for Agha Siraj Durrani seeking provision of ‘better class’ facilities to him in the prison.

Advocate Amir Raza Naqvi told the judge that the applicant was an educated person and politician, who had served on different key posts and was currently the Speaker of the Sindh Assembly, but he was being kept in prison in ordinary class.

He pleaded to direct the prison authorities provide ‘B’ class facilities to the applicant until his stay in prison.

Opinion

Editorial

Islamabad march
Updated 27 Nov, 2024

Islamabad march

WITH emotions running high, chaos closes in. As these words were being written, rumours and speculation were all...
Policing the internet
27 Nov, 2024

Policing the internet

IT is chilling to witness how Pakistan — a nation that embraced the freedoms of modern democracy, and the tech ...
Correcting sports priorities
27 Nov, 2024

Correcting sports priorities

IT has been a lingering battle that has cast a shadow over sports in Pakistan: who are the national sports...
Kurram ceasefire
Updated 26 Nov, 2024

Kurram ceasefire

DESPITE efforts by the KP government to bring about a ceasefire in Kurram tribal district, the bloodletting has...
Hollow victory
26 Nov, 2024

Hollow victory

THE conclusion of COP29 in Baku has left developing nations — struggling with the mounting costs of climate...
Infrastructure schemes
26 Nov, 2024

Infrastructure schemes

THE government’s decision to finance priority PSDP schemes on a three-year rolling basis is a significant step...