The Supreme Court on Wednesday directed the authorities concerned to present before it the expenditures incurred on the return of former OGRA chairman Tauqeer Sadiq as well as the action taken so far against his abetters.
During the hearing of the OGRA scam case on Wednesday‚ the court directed the prosecutor general to inform the court who helped Sadiq flee Pakistan when his name was on the ECL.
Justice Jawad S Khawaja remarked, “Who are behind the appointment of Tauqir Sadiq as OGRA chairman and what action has been taken against those who facilitated him to flee from the country.”
“What action has been initiated against those found responsible in facilitating him to escape from the country. A report be presented before us in this regard,” Justice Jawad S Khawaja gave these remarks while heading the two-member bench.
National Accountability Bureau (NAB) Prosecutor General of KK Agha told the court, “Action is being taken against those who facilitated Sadiq to flee the country. The prevailing situation is this that approval from NAB chairman is required for filing reference. No NAB chairman has been appointed so far, therefore, reference could not be filed.”
He further told the court that Sadiq was brought back to Pakistan a day ago and he was produced before an Accountability Court (AC). The court has given a 14-day physical remand.
Justice Jawad S Khawaja said, “Some influential people helped Sadiq flee the country despite placement of his name on the Exit Control List (ECL). We have come to know that some influential political figures facilitated his escape. Sadiq was present in NAB headquarters when his warrants were issued. Warrants were torn apart. Where does the matter stand now?”
Agha said, “Inquiry was held over why interference occurred during investigation. The internal inquiry of NAB has been finalised. But the inquiry against those found involved in helping Sadiq in fleeing the country has not been concluded.”
Justice Khawaja said, “Punjab National Highway Police, FIA and the influential persons who facilitated Tauqir Sadiq in escaping the country be included in the investigations.”
Agha told the court that significant headway had been made in the inquiry being conducted against officers of the Punjab National Highway Police, FIA and other departments who helped Sadiq flee.
The court sought a report from NAB over the expenses incurred on Sadiq repatriation.
“It should also be informed in the report who would pay the expenses,” the court ordered.
The hearing of the case was adjourned until July 24.