News
Saturday, June 26, 2010
SC rejects FIA report on PSM embezzlement* Warns FIA DG over delay in recovery of Rs 22 billion
* Deputy AG tells court fresh cases have been registered against culpritsBy Masood Rehman
ISLAMABAD: A three-member Supreme Court bench on Friday rejected a report submitted by the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) in the Rs 22-billion embezzlement case of the Pakistan Steel Mills (PSM), terming it unsatisfactory.
The bench comprising Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry, Justice Mian Shakirullah Jan and Justice Khalilur Rehman Ramday was hearing a suo motu case involving a scam at the steel mills.
The court expressed displeasure over delay in the recovery of the Rs 22 billion reportedly embezzled at the PSM. It also ordered the FIA director general to take personal interest in the recovery of the embezzled amount.
The CJP told FIA Director (Legal Affairs) Azam Khan that the court was not satisfied with his report. “There is an embezzlement of billions of rupees, but the FIA DG is sitting in Islamabad,” he said, adding that ultimately it is the responsibility of the FIA DG to take charge of the investigation. He said the DG would be held accountable for the said corruption, adding that squandering of national money could not be tolerated.
Fresh cases: Deputy Attorney General Abid Saqi told the court that investigation in the case was underway and fresh cases had been registered against the culprits. He said former PSM chairman Moeen Aftab was in police custody. To a court query about the recovery of the embezzled amount, Saqi said efforts were being made to recover it. During the hearing, Justice Ramday observed that the report states that the officials concerned have been making money out of the case.
Barrister Zafarullah, one of the petitioners in the case, said Rs 17 million had so far been recovered by the authorities. The court later adjourned the hearing for a date to be fixed after three weeks.
Courtesy www.dailytimes.com.pk