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Wednesday, November 06, 2013
NAB chief apologises over ‘contempt’Staff Report
ISLAMABAD: National Accountability Bureau (NAB) Chairman Qamar Zaman Chaudhry on Tuesday tendered an unconditional apology before the Supreme Court in the contempt case over the transfer of Zafar Qureshi, an investigation officer of the Federal Investigation Agency who was probing the NICL scandal.
Meanwhile, the Supreme Court reserved its judgement in multi-billion rupee scandal in NICL. “I beg to submit myself for mercy of the hon’ble court and assure your honour of my highest respect and regards. In this view of the matter, it is therefore respectfully prayed that the notice issued to (him) … may kindly be withdrawn, to meet the ends of justice. I offer my highest salutations to this hon’able court and remain the courts most humble servant,” the NAB chairman submitted.
The Supreme Court had on June 16, 2011 issued contempt of court notices to secretaries of Ministry of Interior and Establishment Division and principal secretary to the prime minister over the transfer of Zafar Qureshi. During the hearing, then secretary establishment Abul Raud told the court that he had ordered removal of Qureshi on the orders of then prime minister Yousaf Raza Gillani. He said that he was forced to do so without applying his independent mind.
“Constitutionally, I was bound to obey the executive’s orders.” The NAB chairman told the court that after the confession of the establishment secretary, his innocence in this case was proved. He said that he never stated in the progress report that Qureshi should be removed from the investigation.
Courtesy www.dailytimes.com.pk