Daily Times

KARACHI: The Sindh High Court on Wednesday extended interim bail granted to a government contractor facing corruption inquiry by National Accountability Bureau in Irrigation Department’s development projects.

A division bench of SHC headed by Chief Justice Ahmed Ali Sheikh heard the bail applications of the contractor and other government officers facing NAB inquiry over alleged corruption in Irrigation Department’s development projects.

During the course of hearing the court directed NAB to complete the inquiry against the accused on a fast track basis and submit a report to the court.

The court expressed annoyance over the Investigation Officer of NAB. It also restrained the bureau from harassing the petitioners.

The court extended Chandio’s interim bail and directed counsels of others accused to advance arguments on the bail plea.

The counsel of the accused submitted that NAB had initiated inquiry in a project on which work has not been initiated.

He argued that the Bureau cannot hold inquiry in projects worth below Rs 100 million. During the course of hearing, the Chief Justice remarked that NAB is busy arresting people facing 17 thousands rupees corruption but letting people facing Rs 700 million corruption charges roam freely.

The counsel said that inquiry into Rs 15 to Rs 20 lacs corruption was being carried out which even did not fall in NAB’s jurisdiction.

Published in Daily Times, August 24^th 2017.