News
Sunday, July 01, 2012
CJP’s son trying to influence proceedings: NAB chairman* NAB chief says letter written by Dr Arsalan’s counsel bears threatening language * NAB sees threatening language of notice a bid to intervene in working of organisation
Staff Report
ISLAMABAD: Expressing reservations over a letter written by the counsel of chief justice’s son, NAB Chairman Admiral (r) Fasih Bokhari said on Saturday the document was an effort to influence proceedings of the Arsalan Iftikhar case.
Addressing a meeting of editors and bureau chiefs of the print and electronic media, the NAB chairman said the “notice” by Arasalan Iftikhar was tantamount to contempt of court.
“The notice bears threatening language, attempting to hamper proceedings that constitute offence under the law and this aspect will also be looked into. NAB considers the contents of the notice not only threatening but an attempt to intervene in the official working of the organisation,” Bokhari said. He explained composition and terms of references of the joint investigation team (JIT) probing the case. The NAB chairman said the bureau had constituted JIT on directive of the Supreme Court.
The court had ordered the federal government to activate state machinery to investigate the case and punish the culprits. Pursuant to the direction of SC, the office of the attorney general asked NAB to conduct in-depth investigation by constituting a team comprising officials of NAB, FIA and police.
The NAB chairman emphasised that investigations into the case would be impartial and transparent without prejudice to any internal or external pressure and also that investigations would be conducted on merit and strictly under the laws of land. He said that JIT would determine whether it was a case of collusion between two private individuals or the case of extortion by any of the accused.
“The team will look into all the relevant transactions, money trail, investments, commercial dealings, business profiles, relevant meetings and if required details of communications between those associated, in any manner, with the case,” he said. Responding to a question, the NAB chairman said that JIT would largely depend on documentary evidence and, therefore, question of favour or disfavour to anyone did not arise.
He requested the media not to prejudge and let the inquiry complete, the proceeds of which would be shared with the print and electronic media.
“Right now, prejudging the facts will jeopardise the inquiry.”
He also explained that during the course of this inquiry, if NAB receives any further information, which necessitates further action with regard to a separate inquiry involving an offence under the National Accountability Ordinance (NAO), proceedings would be initiated accordingly. The NAB chairman said that money laundering of $32 million and assets beyond means were the cases under investigation against the Sharif brothers. “Which case is genuine and which is not would form the basis of prosecution so as to provide it in the court of law,” he added.
However, he mentioned that before general elections, no political case would be opened. “NAB would not be used as tool for political victimisation,” he said.Courtesy www.dailytimes.com.pk