The National Accountability Bureau Friday informed the Sindh High Court (SHC) that efforts were underway to shift the investigation of money laundering case to Islamabad. The SHC resumed hearing on bail pleas by suspects in the case including, Hussain Lawai, Taha Raza and Omni group chief Anwar Majeed. The bench showed resentment over absence of investigation officer (IO) in the case. “The case will not be adjourned … ask IO to appear before the court with immediate effect,” the court directed the authorities concerned. The NAB prosecutor apprised the court that the record of the case has been provided to the NAB by the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA). To this, counsel of Taha Raza said his client is imprisoned for last six months and pleaded the court to take up his [Taha] bail plea at the earliest. “Even the lawyers are aware that the probe will soon be shifted to Islamabad,” the court said in its remarks, adding that in such a situation they cannot take up the case. It is pertinent to mention here that the NAB, in light of the Supreme Court orders, has decided to shift the case to Islamabad for further investigation. Zardari and his sister Faryal Talpur are facing a probe over allegations of laundering of billions of rupees through fake bank accounts. Zardari’s close aides Hussain Lawai and Anwar Majeed are also being investigated in the scandal. Published in Daily Times, February 16th 2019.