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NAB closes inquiries including Sharif Trust Case against Nawaz, family

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  • NAB meeting, held under chairman, decides to close cases. 
  • Probe into Sharif Trust case was authorised in 2000.
  • Five other cases against different people also closed down. 

ISLAMABAD: The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) has closed six corruption inquiries including the Sharif Trust case filed against Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supremo Nawaz Sharif and his family members. 

In a statement issued by the accountability body, the decision was made during the Executive Board Meeting (EBM) of the bureau, held on January 1, 2024, chaired by NAB Chairman Lt Gen (retd) Nazir Ahmed Butt.

NAB said that it got the approval to terminate the Sharif Trust case. The investigation into the case was authorised on March 31, 2000, and the complaint alleged that the Sharif family had received large sums of money through illicit means in the Sharif Trust.

Additionally, it was claimed that the trust’s accounts had not undergone audit scrutiny and that funds had been misappropriated. The allegations further included the acquisition of assets by the Sharif family under the guise of benami properties held in the name of the trust.

In its report submitted to Supreme Court, the joint investigation team (JIT) formed to probe Panama Papers had criticised the NAB for delaying the investigation into the Sharif Trust case without proper justification. 

The JIT recommended that the NAB be directed to take swift action to complete the investigation.

Now, the bureau has terminated the investigation under Section 31-B of the National Accountability Act, 2022, as amended by the Shehbaz Sharif-led Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM)-led government.

Section 31B states: “Withdrawal and Termination of Pending Proceedings: (1) Prior to the filing of a reference, the Chairman, NAB, in consultation with the Prosecutor General, may, having regard to the totality of facts, circumstances, and evidence, partly, wholly, conditionally, or unconditionally withdraw or terminate any proceedings under this Act if such proceedings are unjustified. 

“(2) After the filing of a reference, if the Chairman, NAB, in consultation with the Prosecutor General, is of the view that the reference is partly or wholly unjustified, he may recommend to the Court for approval where the matter is pending that the reference may partly or wholly be withdrawn or terminated, and upon such withdrawal or termination: (i) if it is made before a charge has been framed, the accused shall be discharged in respect of such offence or offences; and (ii) if it is made after a charge has been framed, he shall be acquitted in respect of such offence or offences.”

Other than that, NAB also closed the Safe City corruption case against Islamabad Inspector General (IG) Akbar Nasir Khan and the Park Enclave Housing Society case against officers/officials of Capital Development Authority (CDA).

The accountability body also terminated the inquiries against the federal government officials regarding illegal appointments of favoured individuals, inquiries against Shahid Malik, Shahbaz Yaseen Malik, Saima Shehbaz Malik, and others. 

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PTI suggests resuming talks with government over judicial commission issue.

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Barrister Gohar, Chairman of the PTI, has claimed that the party’s founder has suspended negotiations, emphasizing that the government should declare the commission within seven days.

He emphasized the PTI’s openness to rethink if the government makes headway and establishes the commission.

Barrister Gohar told the reporters, “Seven days were enough to announce the commission.” We are ready to reconsider, but the government must first announce the commission.”

He stated that the PTI approached the negotiations with an open mind. “The PTI founder has halted the negotiations. “The government had eight laws on their agenda, while we only had two demands,” he stated.

The PTI chairman went on to say that even after seven days, no progress had been made in forming the commission. He encouraged the government to reconsider the decision and proceed with the announcement.

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PTI will declare February 8 to be “Black Day,” sparking protests across the country.

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According to reports, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) intends to hold rallies nationwide on Wednesday in support of its decision to declare February 8, the one-year anniversary of the general elections, a black day.

According to media sources, PTI founder Imran Khan has instructed all party lawmakers—including MPAs and MNAs—to plan and take part in demonstrations in their local communities on February 8 in order to draw attention to their complaints and issues.

In a recent meeting with legal advisors on Wednesday, Imran Khan expressed dissatisfaction with the performance of the party’s Information Secretary Sheikh Waqas Akram. The meeting emphasized the importance of party discipline and gave stern directives to abstain from any criticism of Maulana Fazlur Rehman, the head of the JUI-F.

It has also been suggested that the PTI engage opposition leaders in the demonstrations in order to win their support.

Party insiders revealed that the founder has urged leaders to ensure effective coordination and mobilised efforts in preparation for February 8.

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In 13 cases involving the D-Chowk demonstration, Bushra Bibi granted temporary release until February 7.

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Bushra Bibi, the wife of the PTI chairman, was granted temporary release by the Islamabad Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in 13 counts pertaining to the November 26 D-Chowk protest. Judge Tahir Abbas Supra ordered the police to produce all pertinent documentation by February 7 and granted bail against surety bonds of Rs. 5,000 apiece.

Additionally, Bushra Bibi was given temporary release until February 7 in the Rangers’ accident case. During the hearing, Judge Tahir Abbas Supra expressed disappointment over the behavior of the defense counsel on two occasions. Addressing the lawyers, he remarked, “You demand VIP protocol everywhere, but this is not possible. Prepare your files properly before coming to court.”

Three cases at the Secretariat Police Station, two each at the Margalla, Karachi Company, and Ramna Police Stations, and one each at the Tarnol, Kohsar, Aabpara, and Khanna Police Stations are among the numerous charges against Bushra Bibi.

In addition, the judge chastised the defense team for requesting that Bushra Bibi sign and thumbprint blank documents. He said, “The accused must sign and thumbprint the court orders, not blank sheets.”

Bushra Bibi also went to the Islamabad High Court to have her biometrics verified in relation to her appeal to be exonerated in the Toshakhana-II case. On Monday, Bushra Bibi and the PTI chairman submitted their acquittal petitions. After finishing the biometric procedure, she departed right away.

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