National Accountability Bureau (NAB) Chairman Admiral (r) Fasih Bukhari on Saturday said that the investigation into Dr Arsalan Iftikhar’s case would be made transparent as the NAB had no “specific agenda”. Addressing a press conference, Bukhari also told the media about a letter written to them by Arsalan’s counsel which he claimed was “an effort to influence the proceedings of the case”.
“The notice bears threatening language attempting to hamper proceedings. This constitutes offence under the law and this aspect will also be looked into. NAB considers the contents of the notice not only threatening but an attempt to intervene in the official working of the organisation. As JIT is in the process of complying with the orders of the SC, the ‘notice’ by Mr Arsalan Iftikhar is tantamount to the contempt of court as well,” he added. “I have constituted the joint investigation team (JIT), headed by DG Financial Crimes, NAB. The team comprises of members from police, Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) and NAB. Services of legal, financial and forensic experts can be hired by the team if needed. The NAB is conducting the investigation into the matter to comply with the orders of the Honourable Supreme Court (SC),”said Bukhari.
He emphasised that the investigations into the case would be “impartial, transparent, purely on merit and strictly under the laws of the land” as NAB had no specific agenda. He said the team would also visit London while laying focus on the point that the investigation may take some time.
Asked how he could remain impartial in probe against Dr Arsalan when Malik Riaz had played a key role in his appointment, the NAB chief said, “It doesn’t matter if I know Malik Riaz or Nawaz Sharif, the investigation will be unbiased.” He also added that he had never taken any money from Malik Riaz. The NAB chief explained about the composition and terms of reference (ToR) of the JIT constituted to investigate the matter. He said the court had ordered the federal government to activate the state machinery to investigate the case and punish the culprits. “Pursuant to the directives of the SC, the office of the Attorney General asked NAB to conduct in-depth investigation by constituting a team comprising upon the officials of NAB, FIA and police”.
He said that the JIT would determine whether it was a case of collusion between two private individuals or a case of extortion by any of the accused. “The team will look into all the relevant transactions, money trail, investments, commercial dealings, business profiles, relevant meetings and if required details of communications between those associated, in any manner, with the case,” he maintained. Responding to a question, the chairman NAB said that the JIT would largely depend on documentary evidence; therefore, the question of favour or disfavour to anyone didn’t arise.
It is now understood why Arsalam is against the formation of a JIT. He fears that his business transactions will be exposed.
If you believe this then I have some beach front property in Murree that I would like to sell you.
Like father,Like son, remember Ge. musharaff fired cross eye CJ cause both father and son were involved in corruption,now this corrupt cross eye CJ is pretending like an Angel or Saint.
Chairman NAB is not a coward who can come under influence of Arslan
both are corrupt,dishonest and at least one of them has blurred vision
the way Dr Arslan is behaving since the day this case has been raised is suspecious, he has no right to stop NAB investigating this case if he is not guilty, there is some thing suspecious about him which he is hiding and trying to avoid NAB investigations.
A very appreciable reply from the NAB Chief to Mr. Arsalan Iftikhar because it sense that Mr. Arsalan Iftikhar is just trying to confuse the case as he's not finding the way to escape away.
Mr Arsalan allegation are totally unbiased,he has no rights to change the investigation team because SC arrange it,so if he is not satisfies with the team it means he not obey the SC.
Mr Malik Riaz is not a politician ,he is just a real estate company owner and want to help of our own country…it was not difficult for him to live abroad permanently,but he live in his country only for our nation to provide them a new lifestyle ,,I don’t know why we are seeing him as a defaulter or etc…he obey the SC & NAB because he is right and has a proof about arsalan.if araslan has some proof then why he not showing them instead creating more difficulties in the case.
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