NAB defends its decision of arresting Ahad Cheema

ISLAMABAD: The arrest of former Lahore Development Authority (LDA) director general (DG) Ahad Cheema was not a breach of his constitutional and human rights as the law authorises National Accountability Bureau (NAB) to inquire, investigate and collect evidence on corruption charges against anyone without any discrimination.

NAB said that it was mandated to eradicate corruption from the country under NAO and person enjoying whatever position could never impress upon the NAB and could not impede/frustrate the course of justice. NAB as an institution assures that it would never deviate from the law and always work under its mandate.

The policy of NAB is based on non-discrimination and upholding the self-respect of every accused. Ahad had been apprehended as per the law after showing him arrest warrants with due respect and then he was shifted to NAB’s office.  Ahad was being provided medicine, food and other essential items as per the law.

It may be kept in mind that the honorable court could only judge the veracity of corruption accusations to determine whether a person is guilty or innocent but Ahad’s arrest was required due to serious allegations of corruption against him. Ahad was accused of corruption worth millions of rupees.  NAB Ordinance 1999 authorises NAB to inquire corruption charges and collect evidence as per the law. The NAB reminded that Ahad’s case was also subjudice in the court of law. A writ petition had already been filed in Lahore High Court (LHC) so the merits or demerits of his case could not be discussed or debated.

LHC ISSUES NOTICE TO NAB:

A Lahore High Court (LHC) division bench on Thursday issued notices to National Accountability Bureau (NAB) authorities on a petition filed by Lahore Development Authority (LDA) former director general Ahad Khan Cheema challenging his arrest in Ashiana-i-Iqbal housing scam.

The bench comprising Justice Ali Baqar Najafi and Justice Tariq Saleem Sheikh heard the matter.

The counsel for petitioner Azam Nazir Tarar contended that all allegations levelled against his client were baseless. He submitted that the contract was awarded to Lahore Casa Developers in a transparent manner whereas his client acquired the 32 Kanal land legally and same was mentioned in his declaration of assets.

He said that in response to NAB notices, Ahad Cheema had asked the NAB authorities for providing details of documents required by them as well as a statement of allegations. However, the NAB authorities got offended by his client’s reply and arrested him on Feb 21, he submitted.

The counsel maintained that it was a politically motivated case and his client was unnecessarily arrested in this matter.

He pleaded with the court to declare arrest of Ahad Cheema illegal. The bench after hearing initial arguments issued notices to the NAB authorities seeking a reply till March 1.