Daily Times

The accountability court of Islamabad will indict former president Asif Ali Zardari and others in a case pertaining to alleged financial wrongdoings in the Thatta Water Supply Scheme on August 4.

The judge directed all accused named in the reference to appear in the court on Aug 4 for indictment.

According to the National Accountability Bureau (NAB), the instant case pertains to illegal award of a contract by Special Initiative Department for water supply scheme in Thatta to a private contractor, Harish & Co.

It is noteworthy that the accountability court is to indict former president Asif Ali Zardari, his sister Faryal Talpur and other accused in the mega money laundering case against them on July 24.

Meanwhile, Farooq H Naik, counsel for Asif Ali Zardari, told the accountability court during the hearing of Park Lane reference that the case cannot be run against his client under Article 4 because the bank is not the complainant in the matter. He further argued as to how NAB is initiating proceedings. “State Bank of Pakistan has to issue notice to the borrower in the event of default. However, no notice was issued by it. Parthenon company applied to Arif Habib Bank for loan. Chairman Arif Habib Bank obtained loan from National Bank and provided it to Asif Ali Zardari. The property of Park Lane company was mortgaged in connection with the loan,” he said.

Judge Azam Khan of Accountability Court 2 took up the case for hearing. The judge inquired that loan was obtained by Parthenon company but the property of Park Lane was mortgaged. The defense counsel said NAB is nominating Zardari as accused by showing him as Park Lane director. Naik said those who should have been accused in this case have been made witnesses. “The allegation of causing loss to national kitty through bank loan has come from nowhere. This was not property of the state that Asif Zardari devoured it. Only banking court is entitled to take action on the loan matters,” he argued.

The court later adjourned the hearing of the case till July 21.

Meanwhile, Accountability Court Sukkur on Tuesday again adjourned the hearing of assets beyond means case against former leader of opposition Syed Khursheed Shah till August 4. The hearing was adjourned due to non-appointment of a new judge of the Sukkur accountability court. This is the fourth time that hearing of the case has been adjourned due to non-availability of a judge. The NAB had filed assets beyond means reference of Rs 1.23 billion against Khursheed Shah and 17 co-accused. It had also nominated two wives, two sons and son-in-law of Khursheed Shah in the reference.