NAB again fails to file reference against Ahsan Iqbal
August 26, 2020 12:15 PM
The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) has again failed to file reference against PML-N leader Ahsan Iqbal in Narowal Sports City case as the defence counsel grilled the investigation officer in the court on Wednesday, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.
As the Islamabad’s accountability court heard the matter, the counsel for Ahsan Iqbal said his client was kept in detention but the anti-graft body had not filed the reference so far.
At this, Muhammad Bashir – the accountability court judge – asked the NAB representative when the reference would be filed.
In his response, the NAB investigation officer said they would move ahead as soon as the headquarters approved the reference.
The defence counsel said physical remand had been obtained for Ahsan who was also sent to prison but the NAB chairman could not provide explanation for not filing the reference despite the court directives.
He said the NAB was busy in only arrested the people. It had been hanging like the sword of Damocles which should not happen, the counsel remarked.
Later, the NAB official said the reference had been sent to the headquarters for approval.
In his remarks, the judge said “the defence counsel has taken the NAB to the task” and adjourned the hearing till September 22 with a directive that the accused can skip the hearing till the reference is filed.
Talking to media persons outside the court, the PML-N leader said the NAB had been unable to file the reference despite the passage of one year and was taking date for next hearing every time under one pretext or the other.
“Issuing liquor permit is right but constructing sports stadiums is wrong,” he remarked without naming Punjab Chief Minister Usman Buzdar.