LHC issues notice to NAB on Qasim Zia’s bail application

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A Lahore High Court division bench on Wednesday issued notice to the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) on a bail application filed by PPP leader Qasim Zia in a Rs 80 million scam.

The bench comprising Justice Muhammad Tariq Abbasi and Justice Sardar Ahmad Naeem heard the matter.

During the hearing, the petitioner’s counsel arguing before the court submitted that the NAB Punjab arrested the accused in connection with an eight-year-old dispute between Ali Usman Stock Brokerage and its investors. “The dispute was civil in nature as it is alleged that Ali Usman Brokerage used public money for their own purpose and failed to return it,” he added.

He pointed out that Qasim become share holder of the company in 2006 and remained sleeping partner till 2008. ”

Qasim got registered a case against Ali Usman after breach of trust by him in 2008 besides transferring his shares to the company”, he added.

The counsel contended that the accused was also a victim of company’s mismanagement but despite it, the NAB arrested him and got his remand for 16 days. However, the accountability court has sent Qasim to jail after the prosecution failed to produce any evidence against him, he mentioned.

He submitted that the NAB authorities did not have any evidence against the accused whereas no reference was filed in the court. Detention without reference is illegal, he contended.

He pleaded the court to grant benefit of the bail to the accused as he was no more required for investigations.

The bench after hearing initial arguments issued notice to the NAB and sought reply.

The NAB Punjab arrested Qasim Zia along with other directors of Ali Usman Brokerage for defrauding public in stock exchange. More than 80 affectees filed their complaints with NAB against the accused.