IndianHero
Tape Ball Star
- Joined
- Jun 4, 2017
- Runs
- 646
in south asia, once any person (on any charges against him in court) crosses border he'll not be coming back
-
Contact the PP Team
IHC grants bail to Asif Ali Zardari on medical grounds [Update Post #157]
- Thread starter WebGuru
- Start date
pakistanisgreat
T20I Debutant
- Joined
- Nov 29, 2013
- Runs
- 6,271
lol good one...
Both big fishes are gone. IK wishes was fulfilled by sending them to jail...now both are free...
Abdullah719
T20I Captain
- Joined
- Apr 16, 2013
- Runs
- 44,825
Zardari to be indicted in money laundering case on July 7
ISLAMABAD: The accountability court of Islamabad has decided to indict former president Asif Ali Zardari, Omni Group’s chairman Khawaja Anwar Majeed, Hussain Lawai and other accused in a mega money laundering reference on July 7.
The reference is an offshoot of the fake accounts case.
According to an order issued by accountability judge Mohammad Azam Khan, “because of prevailing situation of [Covid-19] pandemic the presence of accused for the purpose of framing of charges will be procured through Skype/video link facility”.
The order stated that accused Khawaja Anwar Majeed, who is in judicial custody at the district prison, Malir, and Hussain Lawai, Taha Raza and Mohammad Umair, who are in judicial custody in Adiala jail, Rawalpindi, may attend the court proceedings through video link.
However, the court directed other accused to appear in person during framing of charges.
The court asked the registrar of the accountability court, Karachi, to ensure the identity of accused Khawaja Anwar Majeed under treatment at the National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Karachi.
The court directed the registrar of the accountability court, Islamabad, to ensure identity of Lawai, Raza and Umair at Rawalpindi’s central prison.
It asked the National Accountability Bureau, Karachi, to arrange the video link facility for procuring the attendance of Mr Majeed.
An FIR in the case was lodged on July 6, 2018 by the Federal Investigation Agency, State Bank Circle, Karachi, under Sections 419, 420, 468, 471, 109 of the Pakistan Penal Code, read with Section 5(2) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1947, read with Sections 3 and 4 of the Anti-Money Laundering Act, 2010. It alleged that huge amounts of money are being laundered through fake and forged accounts by depositing and withdrawing the same.
The companies and persons involved in the forged accounts were named in the FIR and it was alleged that the scam is worth about Rs4.145 billion.
The accountability court has scheduled to indict Mr Zardari and others in the Park Lane case on June 26.
The Park Lane land case is being investigated against Mr Zardari for his alleged involvement in extending loan and its misappropriation by M/s Parthenon Private Limited, M/s Park Lane Estate Private Limited and others.
https://dawn.com/news/3001035/zardari-to-be-indicted-in-money-laundering-case-on-july-7
ISLAMABAD: The accountability court of Islamabad has decided to indict former president Asif Ali Zardari, Omni Group’s chairman Khawaja Anwar Majeed, Hussain Lawai and other accused in a mega money laundering reference on July 7.
The reference is an offshoot of the fake accounts case.
According to an order issued by accountability judge Mohammad Azam Khan, “because of prevailing situation of [Covid-19] pandemic the presence of accused for the purpose of framing of charges will be procured through Skype/video link facility”.
The order stated that accused Khawaja Anwar Majeed, who is in judicial custody at the district prison, Malir, and Hussain Lawai, Taha Raza and Mohammad Umair, who are in judicial custody in Adiala jail, Rawalpindi, may attend the court proceedings through video link.
However, the court directed other accused to appear in person during framing of charges.
The court asked the registrar of the accountability court, Karachi, to ensure the identity of accused Khawaja Anwar Majeed under treatment at the National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Karachi.
The court directed the registrar of the accountability court, Islamabad, to ensure identity of Lawai, Raza and Umair at Rawalpindi’s central prison.
It asked the National Accountability Bureau, Karachi, to arrange the video link facility for procuring the attendance of Mr Majeed.
An FIR in the case was lodged on July 6, 2018 by the Federal Investigation Agency, State Bank Circle, Karachi, under Sections 419, 420, 468, 471, 109 of the Pakistan Penal Code, read with Section 5(2) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1947, read with Sections 3 and 4 of the Anti-Money Laundering Act, 2010. It alleged that huge amounts of money are being laundered through fake and forged accounts by depositing and withdrawing the same.
The companies and persons involved in the forged accounts were named in the FIR and it was alleged that the scam is worth about Rs4.145 billion.
The accountability court has scheduled to indict Mr Zardari and others in the Park Lane case on June 26.
The Park Lane land case is being investigated against Mr Zardari for his alleged involvement in extending loan and its misappropriation by M/s Parthenon Private Limited, M/s Park Lane Estate Private Limited and others.
https://dawn.com/news/3001035/zardari-to-be-indicted-in-money-laundering-case-on-july-7
Abdullah719
T20I Captain
- Joined
- Apr 16, 2013
- Runs
- 44,825
Zardari, others to be indicted in Park Lane case
ISLAMABAD: An accountability court in Islamabad will indict Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari in Park Lane estate case on Monday.
The former president has been acc*used of being involved “in extending a loan and its misappropriation by M/s Par*the*non Private Limited, M/s Park Lane Estate Private Limited and others”.
The court has decided to frame charges against Zardari in a virtual hearing. Registrar of the accountability court has written a letter to the National Accountability Bureau (NAB), Karachi for finalising arrangements for his indictment.
The court has directed the agency to ensure the presence of Zardari and the other accused on the video link. The court, in its letter, said that the Karachi NAB should make arrangements for the indictment of Anwar Majeed, Farooq Abdullah and other accused.
The bureau was also directed to nominate its representatives for the identification of the accused, adding that charges will be framed against all accused on Monday.
In the previous hearing, the court had deferred Zardari’s indictment in the said case. The defense had submitted an application seeking an exemption from the court appearance due to Zardari’s ailment and the COVID-19 situation in the country.
https://www.pakistantoday.com.pk/2020/07/05/zardari-others-to-be-indicted-in-park-lane-case/
ISLAMABAD: An accountability court in Islamabad will indict Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari in Park Lane estate case on Monday.
The former president has been acc*used of being involved “in extending a loan and its misappropriation by M/s Par*the*non Private Limited, M/s Park Lane Estate Private Limited and others”.
The court has decided to frame charges against Zardari in a virtual hearing. Registrar of the accountability court has written a letter to the National Accountability Bureau (NAB), Karachi for finalising arrangements for his indictment.
The court has directed the agency to ensure the presence of Zardari and the other accused on the video link. The court, in its letter, said that the Karachi NAB should make arrangements for the indictment of Anwar Majeed, Farooq Abdullah and other accused.
The bureau was also directed to nominate its representatives for the identification of the accused, adding that charges will be framed against all accused on Monday.
In the previous hearing, the court had deferred Zardari’s indictment in the said case. The defense had submitted an application seeking an exemption from the court appearance due to Zardari’s ailment and the COVID-19 situation in the country.
https://www.pakistantoday.com.pk/2020/07/05/zardari-others-to-be-indicted-in-park-lane-case/
Bewal Express
Test Star
- Joined
- Nov 6, 2005
- Runs
- 38,947
We need trials not NAB playing silly games. The Omni group report has been out for 1.5yrs and not a single trial has been started, why? The Budha Javed is playing silly games to protect the crooks. Bawa needs to remember that he is old and he will meet his maker and no amount of money can save the old crook.
- Joined
- Oct 2, 2004
- Runs
- 217,861
KARACHI: Top leadership of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and the Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) vowed on Friday to jointly strive for the sake of the “country’s survival and integrity” and agreed that Pakistan and Prime Minister Imran Khan-led government could not go together, terming the opposition parties the centre of people’s hope to get rid of the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf rule.
The resolve came at the first meeting of its kind between top leaders of the two major parties in more than six months when JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman visited Bilawal House to hold a meeting with PPP chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari and former president Asif Ali Zardari for over one hour and a half. The meeting came as a ‘pleasant surprise’ for PPP workers and voters who saw Mr Zardari in his first political engagement after his release by the National Accountability Bureau on the high court orders in December 2019, ending speculation about his health mainly over social media.
Though there was no word or press release from the JUI-F about the meeting nor any of the side invited reporters for interaction after the sitting, a statement issued by the PPP suggested that the three leaders agreed on launching a joint struggle, revival of opposition activities and challenging the PTI government on different fronts, including proposed review of the 18th Amendment and formation of the National Finance Commission (NFC).
Maulana Fazl holds meeting with Bilawal, ex-president
Though the statement carried thoughts of the three leaders they shared during the meeting, the words chosen for Mr Zardari sounded more aggressive and forceful against PM Imran Khan as he termed the PTI government “arrogant and egoistic.” He also suggested an effective and active role of the opposition parties.
ARTICLE CONTINUES AFTER AD
“I had already warned that Imran Khan is not competent to run the government,” the statement quoted the former president as having said during the meeting. “The crisis during the coronavirus pandemic has further exposed Imran Khan’s incompetence. The people of Pakistan have now pinned their hopes on opposition parties to get them rid of this selected government.”
Mr Zardari also recalled his warning in his National Assembly address last year against the approaching challenges of locust attacks. He regretted that his concern was not heard and the country now was in the midst of such a crisis.
“I warned the government last year about the locust attacks but the government only due to its ego and arrogance did not pay heed to my concern. Even today if the required measures are not taken, the country would be facing an agriculture and food crisis,” he said.
Mr Bhutto-Zardari in his conversation at the meeting called the PTI government most corrupt in the history of Pakistan, which had been “following the policy of vendetta against its political opponents”.
“Imran Khan and Pakistan cannot go along,” the statement quoted the PPP chairman as saying. “Imran Khan is using NAB for vengeance and to victimise his political opponents. The opposition parties of the country are united against the selected government, which has failed to initiate a single project for the relief of people in two years.”
The leaders from both sides, the statement said, agreed that that any attempt to roll back the 18th Amendment could lead to dangerous consequences for the federation and weaken the already struggling democratic system of the country. They also rejected the budget 2020-21 and decided to challenge any move against financial support to the provinces through reformation of the NFC.
Maulana Fazl agreed with the PPP leadership over its concerns and thoughts about the PTI government and referred to the recent economic crisis which had led to negative growth in the last fiscal.
“Pakistan economy has never faced such a disastrous situation. For the sake of economy, we have to challenge the selected government,” he said.
https://www.dawn.com/news/1568255/zardari-lashes-out-at-pm-over-incompetence
The resolve came at the first meeting of its kind between top leaders of the two major parties in more than six months when JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman visited Bilawal House to hold a meeting with PPP chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari and former president Asif Ali Zardari for over one hour and a half. The meeting came as a ‘pleasant surprise’ for PPP workers and voters who saw Mr Zardari in his first political engagement after his release by the National Accountability Bureau on the high court orders in December 2019, ending speculation about his health mainly over social media.
Though there was no word or press release from the JUI-F about the meeting nor any of the side invited reporters for interaction after the sitting, a statement issued by the PPP suggested that the three leaders agreed on launching a joint struggle, revival of opposition activities and challenging the PTI government on different fronts, including proposed review of the 18th Amendment and formation of the National Finance Commission (NFC).
Maulana Fazl holds meeting with Bilawal, ex-president
Though the statement carried thoughts of the three leaders they shared during the meeting, the words chosen for Mr Zardari sounded more aggressive and forceful against PM Imran Khan as he termed the PTI government “arrogant and egoistic.” He also suggested an effective and active role of the opposition parties.
ARTICLE CONTINUES AFTER AD
“I had already warned that Imran Khan is not competent to run the government,” the statement quoted the former president as having said during the meeting. “The crisis during the coronavirus pandemic has further exposed Imran Khan’s incompetence. The people of Pakistan have now pinned their hopes on opposition parties to get them rid of this selected government.”
Mr Zardari also recalled his warning in his National Assembly address last year against the approaching challenges of locust attacks. He regretted that his concern was not heard and the country now was in the midst of such a crisis.
“I warned the government last year about the locust attacks but the government only due to its ego and arrogance did not pay heed to my concern. Even today if the required measures are not taken, the country would be facing an agriculture and food crisis,” he said.
Mr Bhutto-Zardari in his conversation at the meeting called the PTI government most corrupt in the history of Pakistan, which had been “following the policy of vendetta against its political opponents”.
“Imran Khan and Pakistan cannot go along,” the statement quoted the PPP chairman as saying. “Imran Khan is using NAB for vengeance and to victimise his political opponents. The opposition parties of the country are united against the selected government, which has failed to initiate a single project for the relief of people in two years.”
The leaders from both sides, the statement said, agreed that that any attempt to roll back the 18th Amendment could lead to dangerous consequences for the federation and weaken the already struggling democratic system of the country. They also rejected the budget 2020-21 and decided to challenge any move against financial support to the provinces through reformation of the NFC.
Maulana Fazl agreed with the PPP leadership over its concerns and thoughts about the PTI government and referred to the recent economic crisis which had led to negative growth in the last fiscal.
“Pakistan economy has never faced such a disastrous situation. For the sake of economy, we have to challenge the selected government,” he said.
https://www.dawn.com/news/1568255/zardari-lashes-out-at-pm-over-incompetence
Bewal Express
Test Star
- Joined
- Nov 6, 2005
- Runs
- 38,947
Crooked Phuppi Diesel meeting Mrs James to find a way to loot and kill. I wonder if Diesel a man of "religion" asked Mrs James and daddy about the killing of 198 people by UB and more recent killing of the journalist.
- Joined
- Oct 2, 2004
- Runs
- 217,861
ISLAMABAD: Former president Asif Ali Zardari will be indicted in the Thatta Water Supply reference on August 4.
The Thatta Water Supply is a supplementary reference part of the fake bank accounts and mega money-laundering scam reference filed by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) against the PPP leader.
The accountability court, during the hearing today, directed all the accused to appear on August 4.
Earlier this month the accountability court deferred Zardari's indictment in Park Lane reference after the former president's counsel Farooq H Naek requested the court for additional time to prepare for the case.
In an earlier hearing, the court had also deferred Zardari's indictment in the Park Lane reference after his counsel submitted an application, seeking exemption of his client from appearance due to illness and the COVID-19 situation in the country.
What is the fake bank accounts case?
In October 2015, the anti-corruption wing of the Federal Investigation Agency in Karachi received a tip-off of suspicious intra-bank transactions from the Summit Bank, Sindh Bank and the United Bank Limited. The profiles of the account holders did not match their earnings/income. FIA authorities suspected that these accounts were being run by the Zardari Group and Omni Group, amongst others
The case dragged on until June 2018, when the Supreme Court took suo moto notice of the fake accounts and directed a Joint Investigation Team (JIT) to probe the matter.
The investigation team concluded that 32 fake bank accounts were being operated by 11 fake entities to launder money from “kickbacks, land grabbing and large scale misappropriation of public funds.”
Zardari, his sister Faryal Talpur, Hussain Lawai, the then-president Summit Bank, Nasser Abdullah Lootah, chairman Summit Bank, Chairman Omni Group Anwar Majid and his son are the prime suspects in the case.
The JIT also concluded from the investigation that the Omni Group had immensely benefited from the transactions. The investigation team stated that the group had a “startling and unprecedented (abnormal) growth 2009 onwards,” interestingly, after the PPP took power.
From 2008 to 2013, the company grew at a whopping 2,500% and added a total of 83 companies under its umbrella. The growth percentage fell to 142% after 2013 when the PPP lost the central government.
https://www.geo.tv/latest/297904-co...ari-in-thatta-water-supply-reference-on-aug-4
The Thatta Water Supply is a supplementary reference part of the fake bank accounts and mega money-laundering scam reference filed by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) against the PPP leader.
The accountability court, during the hearing today, directed all the accused to appear on August 4.
Earlier this month the accountability court deferred Zardari's indictment in Park Lane reference after the former president's counsel Farooq H Naek requested the court for additional time to prepare for the case.
In an earlier hearing, the court had also deferred Zardari's indictment in the Park Lane reference after his counsel submitted an application, seeking exemption of his client from appearance due to illness and the COVID-19 situation in the country.
What is the fake bank accounts case?
In October 2015, the anti-corruption wing of the Federal Investigation Agency in Karachi received a tip-off of suspicious intra-bank transactions from the Summit Bank, Sindh Bank and the United Bank Limited. The profiles of the account holders did not match their earnings/income. FIA authorities suspected that these accounts were being run by the Zardari Group and Omni Group, amongst others
The case dragged on until June 2018, when the Supreme Court took suo moto notice of the fake accounts and directed a Joint Investigation Team (JIT) to probe the matter.
The investigation team concluded that 32 fake bank accounts were being operated by 11 fake entities to launder money from “kickbacks, land grabbing and large scale misappropriation of public funds.”
Zardari, his sister Faryal Talpur, Hussain Lawai, the then-president Summit Bank, Nasser Abdullah Lootah, chairman Summit Bank, Chairman Omni Group Anwar Majid and his son are the prime suspects in the case.
The JIT also concluded from the investigation that the Omni Group had immensely benefited from the transactions. The investigation team stated that the group had a “startling and unprecedented (abnormal) growth 2009 onwards,” interestingly, after the PPP took power.
From 2008 to 2013, the company grew at a whopping 2,500% and added a total of 83 companies under its umbrella. The growth percentage fell to 142% after 2013 when the PPP lost the central government.
https://www.geo.tv/latest/297904-co...ari-in-thatta-water-supply-reference-on-aug-4
- Joined
- Oct 2, 2004
- Runs
- 217,861
ISLAMABAD: An accountability court hearing the Thatta Water Supply corruption reference decided to indict former president Asif Ali Zardari via video link.
The court resumed hearing on one of the corruption references against the PPP leader on Wednesday. Zardari once again excused himself from appearing before the court, saying that he could not attend proceedings due to the ongoing coronavirus situation and his ailments.
Judge Azam Khan ordered the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) to assist the court in setting up the video link for proceedings of the case. The court also declared the co-accused in the case, Ashfaq Leghari, an absconder, separating his case from Zardari's reference.
Subsequently, the accountability court adjourned proceedings of the case till August 4, summoning Zardari and the other 14 suspects at the next hearing.
Thatta water supply reference and fake accounts case
The Thatta Water Supply is a supplementary reference, part of the fake bank accounts and mega money-laundering scam references filed by the NAB against the PPP leader.
In October 2015, the anti-corruption wing of the Federal Investigation Agency in Karachi received a tip-off of suspicious intra-bank transactions from the Summit Bank, Sindh Bank and the United Bank Limited.
The profiles of the account holders did not match their earnings/income. FIA authorities suspected that these accounts were being run by the Zardari Group and Omni Group, amongst others.
The case dragged on until June 2018, when the Supreme Court took suo moto notice of the fake accounts and directed a Joint Investigation Team (JIT) to probe the matter.
The investigation team concluded that 32 fake bank accounts were being operated by 11 fake entities to launder money from “kickbacks, land grabbing and large scale misappropriation of public funds.”
https://www.geo.tv/latest/298095-th...kely-to-indict-zardari-via-video-link-verdict
The court resumed hearing on one of the corruption references against the PPP leader on Wednesday. Zardari once again excused himself from appearing before the court, saying that he could not attend proceedings due to the ongoing coronavirus situation and his ailments.
Judge Azam Khan ordered the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) to assist the court in setting up the video link for proceedings of the case. The court also declared the co-accused in the case, Ashfaq Leghari, an absconder, separating his case from Zardari's reference.
Subsequently, the accountability court adjourned proceedings of the case till August 4, summoning Zardari and the other 14 suspects at the next hearing.
Thatta water supply reference and fake accounts case
The Thatta Water Supply is a supplementary reference, part of the fake bank accounts and mega money-laundering scam references filed by the NAB against the PPP leader.
In October 2015, the anti-corruption wing of the Federal Investigation Agency in Karachi received a tip-off of suspicious intra-bank transactions from the Summit Bank, Sindh Bank and the United Bank Limited.
The profiles of the account holders did not match their earnings/income. FIA authorities suspected that these accounts were being run by the Zardari Group and Omni Group, amongst others.
The case dragged on until June 2018, when the Supreme Court took suo moto notice of the fake accounts and directed a Joint Investigation Team (JIT) to probe the matter.
The investigation team concluded that 32 fake bank accounts were being operated by 11 fake entities to launder money from “kickbacks, land grabbing and large scale misappropriation of public funds.”
https://www.geo.tv/latest/298095-th...kely-to-indict-zardari-via-video-link-verdict
Abdullah719
T20I Captain
- Joined
- Apr 16, 2013
- Runs
- 44,825
NAB requests accountability court to dismiss Zardari’s pleas
The accountability court in Islamabad on Wednesday postponed the indictment of former president Asif Ali Zardari and his sister, Faryal Talpur, in the mega money laundering and Park Lane Residency reference because of incomplete attendance.
Zardari and Talpur did not appear in the court again and sought exemption from attendance. However, during the proceedings National Accountability Bureau (NAB) Prosecutor Sardar Muzaffar Abbasi completed arguments on Zardari’s plea for acquittal.
Accountability judge Muhammad Azam Khan heard the case, which pertained to charges of corruption through fake bank accounts and embezzlement in the Park Lane (Pvt) Limited and Parthenon (Pvt) Limited, incurring a loss of billions of rupees to the national exchequer.
https://tribune.com.pk/story/2257276/nab-requests-accountability-court-to-dismiss-zardaris-pleas
The accountability court in Islamabad on Wednesday postponed the indictment of former president Asif Ali Zardari and his sister, Faryal Talpur, in the mega money laundering and Park Lane Residency reference because of incomplete attendance.
Zardari and Talpur did not appear in the court again and sought exemption from attendance. However, during the proceedings National Accountability Bureau (NAB) Prosecutor Sardar Muzaffar Abbasi completed arguments on Zardari’s plea for acquittal.
Accountability judge Muhammad Azam Khan heard the case, which pertained to charges of corruption through fake bank accounts and embezzlement in the Park Lane (Pvt) Limited and Parthenon (Pvt) Limited, incurring a loss of billions of rupees to the national exchequer.
During the hearing, Abbasi, while initiating arguments, told the court that it was not a case of wilful default in any way, adding however, that in this case, fake bank accounts were created systematically for the transfer of money.
Abbasi told the court that money was transferred from the accounts of Park Lane to the accounts of ice candy venders and cart pushers. However, defence lawyer Farooq H Naek objected, saying that the prosecutor was repeating the same thing over and over again.
Abbasi said that Parthenon was formed on September 3, 2009 but the loan proposal was prepared even before its creation. On August 31, 2009 there was a meeting with Arif Habib Bank regarding the loan for the company, which had not been formed then, he added
Presenting copies of pay orders, he stated that Rs200 million was transferred to a rikshaw driver from a company called Dream Trading. Similarly, he headed, another Rs200 million went to a Faluda vender from the Ocean Enterprises.
The money was borrowed from a government bank and placed in the accounts of the rickshaw driver and the Faluda vender. Both of them had appeared before the Supreme Court, the NAB prosecutor told the court. “This is how a white-collar crime is committed,” he said.
The court inquired whether the persons, who withdrew the cash could be identified. The investigating officer informed the court that the money was not withdrawn but transferred from one fake account to another. He added the money was transferred from Park Lane’s account.
Abbasi said that the sponsors and owners of the Park Lane and the Parthenon knew the top management of Arif Habib Bank. He added that the bank had warned company president Hussain Lawai, not to extend the loan but Lawai gave it any because there was a planning “to get the loan and default”.
Quoting from the statement of a former president of the National Bank of Pakistan (NBP), Abbasi said that Khawaja Anwar Majeed had invited him to Asif Zardari’s dinner, where the former president had told him that Majeed was very close to him [Zardari].
He said that the former NBP president Syed Ali Raza was first made an accused in the case but he was later pardoned, adding that Syed Qamar Hussain was the chief operating officer (COO). Both of them had become approvers in the case.
Abbasi said that under Zardari’s pressure, the loan amounts which went into fake accounts continued to be released. He added that all the officers of the National Bank Credit Committee were also among the witnesses against Zardari.
Abbasi said that 61 witnesses had recorded statements under Section 161 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC), which were available with NAB. He added that the officials of the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) would also testify.
Nine officers of the NAB Rawalpindi, who collected the evidence were also included in the list of witnesses. Muhammad Ali Abro of the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), who initially investigated the fake accounts, would also be a witness.
“All witnesses will also be produced in the court after the indictment, the prosecutor told the court, adding that it was not a matter of normal transaction, “we have already said that Parthenon is a dummy company used to obtain loans,” he added.
Abbasi said that Zardari’s plea for quashing the reference and challenging the court’s jurisdiction was baseless and requested the court to dismiss his petitions. The judge sought rebuttal of the prosecutor’s arguments from Naik and adjourned the hearing till August 7.
Abbasi told the court that money was transferred from the accounts of Park Lane to the accounts of ice candy venders and cart pushers. However, defence lawyer Farooq H Naek objected, saying that the prosecutor was repeating the same thing over and over again.
Abbasi said that Parthenon was formed on September 3, 2009 but the loan proposal was prepared even before its creation. On August 31, 2009 there was a meeting with Arif Habib Bank regarding the loan for the company, which had not been formed then, he added
Presenting copies of pay orders, he stated that Rs200 million was transferred to a rikshaw driver from a company called Dream Trading. Similarly, he headed, another Rs200 million went to a Faluda vender from the Ocean Enterprises.
The money was borrowed from a government bank and placed in the accounts of the rickshaw driver and the Faluda vender. Both of them had appeared before the Supreme Court, the NAB prosecutor told the court. “This is how a white-collar crime is committed,” he said.
The court inquired whether the persons, who withdrew the cash could be identified. The investigating officer informed the court that the money was not withdrawn but transferred from one fake account to another. He added the money was transferred from Park Lane’s account.
Abbasi said that the sponsors and owners of the Park Lane and the Parthenon knew the top management of Arif Habib Bank. He added that the bank had warned company president Hussain Lawai, not to extend the loan but Lawai gave it any because there was a planning “to get the loan and default”.
Quoting from the statement of a former president of the National Bank of Pakistan (NBP), Abbasi said that Khawaja Anwar Majeed had invited him to Asif Zardari’s dinner, where the former president had told him that Majeed was very close to him [Zardari].
He said that the former NBP president Syed Ali Raza was first made an accused in the case but he was later pardoned, adding that Syed Qamar Hussain was the chief operating officer (COO). Both of them had become approvers in the case.
Abbasi said that under Zardari’s pressure, the loan amounts which went into fake accounts continued to be released. He added that all the officers of the National Bank Credit Committee were also among the witnesses against Zardari.
Abbasi said that 61 witnesses had recorded statements under Section 161 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC), which were available with NAB. He added that the officials of the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) would also testify.
Nine officers of the NAB Rawalpindi, who collected the evidence were also included in the list of witnesses. Muhammad Ali Abro of the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), who initially investigated the fake accounts, would also be a witness.
“All witnesses will also be produced in the court after the indictment, the prosecutor told the court, adding that it was not a matter of normal transaction, “we have already said that Parthenon is a dummy company used to obtain loans,” he added.
Abbasi said that Zardari’s plea for quashing the reference and challenging the court’s jurisdiction was baseless and requested the court to dismiss his petitions. The judge sought rebuttal of the prosecutor’s arguments from Naik and adjourned the hearing till August 7.
- Joined
- Oct 2, 2004
- Runs
- 217,861
ISLAMABAD: An accountability court here on Friday dismissed the application seeking acquittal of former president Asif Ali Zardari in the Park Lane case and decided to indict him on Aug 10.
The court also dismissed another application of Mr Zardari that challenged the accountability court’s jurisdiction and sought transfer of the case to a banking court.
Accountability Court Judge Mohammad Azam Khan was set to indict Mr Zardari last month, but deferred the indictment after Farooq H. Naek, the counsel for Mr Zardari, filed the application.
Last month, two former presidents of the National Bank of Pakistan (NBP) turned approver against Mr Zardari in the Park Lane reference.
Subsequently, the National Accountability Bureau (NAB), which had nominated former NBP presidents Ali Raza and Qamar Hussain as accused in the case, changed their status and included them in the list of prosecution witnesses.
Accountability court to indict ex-president on 10th
According to NAB, Mr Raza in his confessional statement claimed that Omni Group’s director Abdul Ghani Majeed was a ‘go through’ between the NBP senior management and Mr Zardari as he conveyed them his message regarding approval of loan.
Mr Zardari has been accused of being involved in obtaining loan and its misappropriation by M/s Parthenon Private Limited, M/s Park Lane Estate Private Limited and others.
Earlier, Mr Naek argued during the hearing that Mr Zardari was a director of M/s Park Lane, but resigned from the company in 2008 before assuming the office of president of Pakistan.
He said the board of directors of the company accepted the resignation of Mr Zardari, but it could not communicate the matter to the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan in time.
The lawyer said NAB had overlooked the financial laws while filing the reference against his client. He argued that NAB could not have proceeded in the case without mandatory approval/reference of the State Bank of Pakistan against Mr Zardari.
He said the credit committee of the NBP had approved the loan for M/s Parthenon, but NAB did not implicate even a single official of the bank in the reference, adding that those who might be an accused in the case had been listed as prosecution witnesses.
NAB’s Deputy Prosecutor General Sardar Muzaffar Abbasi argued before the court that the former president used his influence to secure loan from the banks. He said it was also a case of money laundering since the accused transferred the money abroad through illegal means.
Thatta water supply case
The accountability court also took up Thatta water supply reference. The court was supposed to indict Mr Zardari in this reference on Aug 4. However, the former president has also filed an application seeking his acquittal in the reference.
The court put of hearing arguments in this case till Sept 7.
The same court also dismissed two identical petitions of former president of the Sindh Bank Bilal Sheikh in Sindh Bank corruption and money laundering references.
The court also dismissed acquittal pleas of seven other co-accused of namely Tariq Ehsan, Safdar Qazi, Asad Ali Shah, Masooma Hussain, Javed Hussain, Abdul Rauf Chandio and Shariq Husnain Jaleesi.
https://www.dawn.com/news/1573212/zardaris-acquittal-plea-in-park-lane-case-rejected
The court also dismissed another application of Mr Zardari that challenged the accountability court’s jurisdiction and sought transfer of the case to a banking court.
Accountability Court Judge Mohammad Azam Khan was set to indict Mr Zardari last month, but deferred the indictment after Farooq H. Naek, the counsel for Mr Zardari, filed the application.
Last month, two former presidents of the National Bank of Pakistan (NBP) turned approver against Mr Zardari in the Park Lane reference.
Subsequently, the National Accountability Bureau (NAB), which had nominated former NBP presidents Ali Raza and Qamar Hussain as accused in the case, changed their status and included them in the list of prosecution witnesses.
Accountability court to indict ex-president on 10th
According to NAB, Mr Raza in his confessional statement claimed that Omni Group’s director Abdul Ghani Majeed was a ‘go through’ between the NBP senior management and Mr Zardari as he conveyed them his message regarding approval of loan.
Mr Zardari has been accused of being involved in obtaining loan and its misappropriation by M/s Parthenon Private Limited, M/s Park Lane Estate Private Limited and others.
Earlier, Mr Naek argued during the hearing that Mr Zardari was a director of M/s Park Lane, but resigned from the company in 2008 before assuming the office of president of Pakistan.
He said the board of directors of the company accepted the resignation of Mr Zardari, but it could not communicate the matter to the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan in time.
The lawyer said NAB had overlooked the financial laws while filing the reference against his client. He argued that NAB could not have proceeded in the case without mandatory approval/reference of the State Bank of Pakistan against Mr Zardari.
He said the credit committee of the NBP had approved the loan for M/s Parthenon, but NAB did not implicate even a single official of the bank in the reference, adding that those who might be an accused in the case had been listed as prosecution witnesses.
NAB’s Deputy Prosecutor General Sardar Muzaffar Abbasi argued before the court that the former president used his influence to secure loan from the banks. He said it was also a case of money laundering since the accused transferred the money abroad through illegal means.
Thatta water supply case
The accountability court also took up Thatta water supply reference. The court was supposed to indict Mr Zardari in this reference on Aug 4. However, the former president has also filed an application seeking his acquittal in the reference.
The court put of hearing arguments in this case till Sept 7.
The same court also dismissed two identical petitions of former president of the Sindh Bank Bilal Sheikh in Sindh Bank corruption and money laundering references.
The court also dismissed acquittal pleas of seven other co-accused of namely Tariq Ehsan, Safdar Qazi, Asad Ali Shah, Masooma Hussain, Javed Hussain, Abdul Rauf Chandio and Shariq Husnain Jaleesi.
https://www.dawn.com/news/1573212/zardaris-acquittal-plea-in-park-lane-case-rejected
Bewal Express
Test Star
- Joined
- Nov 6, 2005
- Runs
- 38,947
We need the trials to start. I am sick of hearing that it's been adjourned until so and so date.
Syed1
ODI Captain
- Joined
- Jan 22, 2015
- Runs
- 46,041
- Post of the Week
- 3
Zardari is genuinely ill... If he dies in jail I'm afraid stupid PPP will sell it to their jahil voters in Sindh.
CricketCartoons
Senior T20I Player
- Joined
- Mar 5, 2014
- Runs
- 17,584
Read somewhere that when Benazir was killed, some emotional supporters starting chanting pakistan murdabad, but Zardari interrupted and started Pakistan Zindabad. Since then had respect for this person most Pakistanis love to hate.
Syed1
ODI Captain
- Joined
- Jan 22, 2015
- Runs
- 46,041
- Post of the Week
- 3
Thankfully your opinion does not matter
CricketCartoons
Senior T20I Player
- Joined
- Mar 5, 2014
- Runs
- 17,584
of course. my opinion doesn't even matter within my family. But would you have been provoked enough to state the obvious had I said I have no respect for zardari, or I have deep respect for IK?
- Joined
- Oct 2, 2004
- Runs
- 217,861
ISLAMABAD: An accountability court in Islamabad indicted former president Asif Ali Zardari in the Park Lane reference today (Monday) via video link.
The accountability judge had directed authorities to ensure that the accused present himself for the hearing today. Zardari appeared before the court for today’s hearing via video link from his Bilawal House residence in Karachi.
Other suspects in the case also attended proceedings of the case via video link. Zardari told the court that his lawyer, Naek, was busy in court hence he could not be indicted today.
"Your lawyer knew beforehand about the date of today's hearing," responded the judge. "You will be indicted (today)."
The accountability court judge said that Zardari's lawyer could have sent his assistant lawyer to attend today's hearing. "These are just two simple sentences in English, you can listen to them and answer," said the judge.
Zardari requested the judge to write in his order that the charges were framed against him whilst his lawyer was not present in court.
"Charges are always framed against the suspect. If his or her lawyer does not present himself before the court, we cannot force [the lawyer] to do so," replied the judge.
The judge then proceeded to read out the charges against Zardari. The former president pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Trampling of rights
Youngest daughter of former president Aseefa Bhutto Zardari said that the judge trampled the PPP co-chairman's constitutional and legal rights by "rushing" through the indictment.
"Charges framed against my father today without his legal counsel present in court. He has spent 6 months in jail already and has been on ECL for 2 years now," said Assefa.
Court rejects Zardari's petitions
A few days ago, the accountability had rejected the former president’s petitions and directed that the PPP leader be indicted on August 10.
The former president's indictment was postponed due to various petitions filed by his lawyer against the reference.
In June, Zardari's lawyer had moved a petition challenging the accountability court's jurisdiction to hear the Park Lane reference. Zardari’s lawyer Farook H Naek had requested the court to decide the petition before the trial began.
NAB’s Deputy Prosecutor General Sardar Muzaffar Abbasi had opposed the petition and requested the court to dismiss it as being baseless.
Park Lane reference
A report in The News showed that a Karachi-based private company, Park Lane Estate Pvt Ltd, had purchased almost 2,500 kanals of land near Sangjani from Faisal Sakhi Butt, who himself purchased the land from a Pakistani American living in Houston, Texas in the USA, named Muhammad Nasir Khan, for merely Rs62 million.
Nasir Khan was the original purchaser of this land in 1994 and was alleged by NAB in 1997 to be Zardari's frontman in the Ehtesab Bureau reference filed against him in 1997.
However, all the legal requirements were met and followed in the purchase and transfer of this land from one man to another and then to Park Lane Estate Pvt Ltd, which was a Karachi-based company.
According to the Form-A Annual Return of the company, its share capital, as reflected in the SECP record then, showed it had 120,000 shares of which Zardari and Bilawal own 30,000 shares each.
Zardari was shown as a director and his son was a member with four others who appear as members and debenture holders.
In 1997 the Ehtesab Bureau of Mian Saifur Rehman initiated a case against Zardari while the FIA arrested some persons related to the same case. Media reports in 1997 had then stated that Zardari had forcibly acquired the 2,500 kanals of land uprooting 300 families to set up a polo ground and a riding pavilion in Sangjani, 25 minutes from Islamabad.
Saifur Rehman had told a news conference on June 10, 1997, that the then chairman of the CDA, now late Shafi Sehwani, a PPP-appointee, was also involved in the land scam. Some local residents including Sardar Ishaque, Raja Mehboob Elahi and Haji Bashir had appeared before reporters and had claimed that they had been forced to sell their land at a throwaway price in 1994 and Zardari wanted to build a polo ground in Sangjani.
It was then alleged that a US resident Nasir Khan had been used as frontman by Zardari. According to a 1997 news report, Khan was instrumental in making deals with the owners, whose lands were forcibly acquired by the revenue administration of Islamabad not for any official projects but for Khan's private ownership, who was allegedly acting at Zardari's behest.
https://www.geo.tv/latest/302043-pa...-court-to-indict-zardari-via-video-link-today
The accountability judge had directed authorities to ensure that the accused present himself for the hearing today. Zardari appeared before the court for today’s hearing via video link from his Bilawal House residence in Karachi.
Other suspects in the case also attended proceedings of the case via video link. Zardari told the court that his lawyer, Naek, was busy in court hence he could not be indicted today.
"Your lawyer knew beforehand about the date of today's hearing," responded the judge. "You will be indicted (today)."
The accountability court judge said that Zardari's lawyer could have sent his assistant lawyer to attend today's hearing. "These are just two simple sentences in English, you can listen to them and answer," said the judge.
Zardari requested the judge to write in his order that the charges were framed against him whilst his lawyer was not present in court.
"Charges are always framed against the suspect. If his or her lawyer does not present himself before the court, we cannot force [the lawyer] to do so," replied the judge.
The judge then proceeded to read out the charges against Zardari. The former president pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Trampling of rights
Youngest daughter of former president Aseefa Bhutto Zardari said that the judge trampled the PPP co-chairman's constitutional and legal rights by "rushing" through the indictment.
"Charges framed against my father today without his legal counsel present in court. He has spent 6 months in jail already and has been on ECL for 2 years now," said Assefa.
Court rejects Zardari's petitions
A few days ago, the accountability had rejected the former president’s petitions and directed that the PPP leader be indicted on August 10.
The former president's indictment was postponed due to various petitions filed by his lawyer against the reference.
In June, Zardari's lawyer had moved a petition challenging the accountability court's jurisdiction to hear the Park Lane reference. Zardari’s lawyer Farook H Naek had requested the court to decide the petition before the trial began.
NAB’s Deputy Prosecutor General Sardar Muzaffar Abbasi had opposed the petition and requested the court to dismiss it as being baseless.
Park Lane reference
A report in The News showed that a Karachi-based private company, Park Lane Estate Pvt Ltd, had purchased almost 2,500 kanals of land near Sangjani from Faisal Sakhi Butt, who himself purchased the land from a Pakistani American living in Houston, Texas in the USA, named Muhammad Nasir Khan, for merely Rs62 million.
Nasir Khan was the original purchaser of this land in 1994 and was alleged by NAB in 1997 to be Zardari's frontman in the Ehtesab Bureau reference filed against him in 1997.
However, all the legal requirements were met and followed in the purchase and transfer of this land from one man to another and then to Park Lane Estate Pvt Ltd, which was a Karachi-based company.
According to the Form-A Annual Return of the company, its share capital, as reflected in the SECP record then, showed it had 120,000 shares of which Zardari and Bilawal own 30,000 shares each.
Zardari was shown as a director and his son was a member with four others who appear as members and debenture holders.
In 1997 the Ehtesab Bureau of Mian Saifur Rehman initiated a case against Zardari while the FIA arrested some persons related to the same case. Media reports in 1997 had then stated that Zardari had forcibly acquired the 2,500 kanals of land uprooting 300 families to set up a polo ground and a riding pavilion in Sangjani, 25 minutes from Islamabad.
Saifur Rehman had told a news conference on June 10, 1997, that the then chairman of the CDA, now late Shafi Sehwani, a PPP-appointee, was also involved in the land scam. Some local residents including Sardar Ishaque, Raja Mehboob Elahi and Haji Bashir had appeared before reporters and had claimed that they had been forced to sell their land at a throwaway price in 1994 and Zardari wanted to build a polo ground in Sangjani.
It was then alleged that a US resident Nasir Khan had been used as frontman by Zardari. According to a 1997 news report, Khan was instrumental in making deals with the owners, whose lands were forcibly acquired by the revenue administration of Islamabad not for any official projects but for Khan's private ownership, who was allegedly acting at Zardari's behest.
https://www.geo.tv/latest/302043-pa...-court-to-indict-zardari-via-video-link-today
Abdullah719
T20I Captain
- Joined
- Apr 16, 2013
- Runs
- 44,825
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">In 1994, PPP Govt gave ARY the license to import gold exclusively for 2 years, authorizing them as the only gold importer in the country. As a result, ARY was able to import $500 million in gold. Zardari charged $10 million <a href="https://t.co/1l5dlgarMy">https://t.co/1l5dlgarMy</a> <a href="https://t.co/0MiURhCiHF">pic.twitter.com/0MiURhCiHF</a></p>— faraz (@faraz_lhr) <a href="https://twitter.com/faraz_lhr/status/1294545804020060163?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 15, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Abdullah719
T20I Captain
- Joined
- Apr 16, 2013
- Runs
- 44,825
Key witness in fake accounts case against Asif Ali Zardari dies
A key witness of the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) in the fake accounts case against former president Asif Ali Zardari passed away on Monday due to cardiac arrest.
Aslam Masood, the chief financial officer of the Omni Group, had become an approver in the money-laundering case filed against Zardari and his sister Faryal Talpur. He was undergoing treatment at a hospital in Rawalpindi where he passed away, local media reported.
According to a report presented to the accountability court by the superintendent of Adiala Jail, Masood was admitted to the hospital on February 20, 2019.
In 2018, Interpol arrested Masood as he was boarding a flight from London to Jeddah. He was a witness in the reference and had been nominated accused in two cases. However, he turned approver against Zardari and the Omni Group.
https://www.brecorder.com/news/4001...e-accounts-case-against-asif-ali-zardari-dies
A key witness of the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) in the fake accounts case against former president Asif Ali Zardari passed away on Monday due to cardiac arrest.
Aslam Masood, the chief financial officer of the Omni Group, had become an approver in the money-laundering case filed against Zardari and his sister Faryal Talpur. He was undergoing treatment at a hospital in Rawalpindi where he passed away, local media reported.
According to a report presented to the accountability court by the superintendent of Adiala Jail, Masood was admitted to the hospital on February 20, 2019.
In 2018, Interpol arrested Masood as he was boarding a flight from London to Jeddah. He was a witness in the reference and had been nominated accused in two cases. However, he turned approver against Zardari and the Omni Group.
https://www.brecorder.com/news/4001...e-accounts-case-against-asif-ali-zardari-dies
- Joined
- Oct 2, 2004
- Runs
- 217,861
ISLAMABAD: Former president Asif Ali Zardari will now be indicted in the money laundering case on September 17 after a new petition was filed by the PPP supremo seeking acquittal in the supplementary reference on Wednesday.
At the outset of the hearing, Asif Zardari’s counsel Farooq H Naik filed the petition requesting the court to dismiss the money laundering reference filed by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) against his client.
NAB Prosecutor Sardar Muzaffar Abbasi objected to the fresh application before the indictment in the case, saying they are asking for time for preparation on their own petition.
“I am ready to present arguments on it, why aren’t they.”
"We have not filed any supplementary reference in the money laundering case. The case was transferred from Karachi so he had filed a reference after his interrogation," he maintained.
After hearing arguments from both sides, Accountability Court Judge Azam Khan adjourned the hearing till September 17.
Mega money laundering case
In October 2015, the anti-corruption wing of the Federal Investigation Agency in Karachi received a tip-off of suspicious intra-bank transactions from the Summit Bank, Sindh Bank, and the United Bank Limited.
The profiles of the account holders did not match their earnings/income. FIA authorities suspected that these accounts were being run by the Zardari Group and Omni Group, amongst others.
The case dragged on until June 2018, when the Supreme Court took suo moto notice of the fake accounts and directed a Joint Investigation Team (JIT) to probe the matter.
The investigation team concluded that 32 fake bank accounts were being operated by 11 fake entities to launder money from “kickbacks, land grabbing, and large scale misappropriation of public funds.”
https://www.geo.tv/latest/306945-asif-ali-zardari-to-be-indicted-in-money-laundering-case-today
At the outset of the hearing, Asif Zardari’s counsel Farooq H Naik filed the petition requesting the court to dismiss the money laundering reference filed by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) against his client.
NAB Prosecutor Sardar Muzaffar Abbasi objected to the fresh application before the indictment in the case, saying they are asking for time for preparation on their own petition.
“I am ready to present arguments on it, why aren’t they.”
"We have not filed any supplementary reference in the money laundering case. The case was transferred from Karachi so he had filed a reference after his interrogation," he maintained.
After hearing arguments from both sides, Accountability Court Judge Azam Khan adjourned the hearing till September 17.
Mega money laundering case
In October 2015, the anti-corruption wing of the Federal Investigation Agency in Karachi received a tip-off of suspicious intra-bank transactions from the Summit Bank, Sindh Bank, and the United Bank Limited.
The profiles of the account holders did not match their earnings/income. FIA authorities suspected that these accounts were being run by the Zardari Group and Omni Group, amongst others.
The case dragged on until June 2018, when the Supreme Court took suo moto notice of the fake accounts and directed a Joint Investigation Team (JIT) to probe the matter.
The investigation team concluded that 32 fake bank accounts were being operated by 11 fake entities to launder money from “kickbacks, land grabbing, and large scale misappropriation of public funds.”
https://www.geo.tv/latest/306945-asif-ali-zardari-to-be-indicted-in-money-laundering-case-today
Similar threads
