–NAB tells top court it has identified Dar’s properties in London, as AGP says talks continuing with relevant authorities for extradition
ISLAMABAD: Attorney General of Pakistan (AGP) Anwar Mansoor on Tuesday informed the court that the government is holding consultations for the repatriation of former finance minister Ishaq Dar.
A three-member bench headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan Saqib Nisar and comprising Justice Ijazul Ahsan and Justice Umar Ata Bandial resumed the hearing of the case pertaining to illegal appointment of former Pakistan Television Corporation (PTV) managing director Attaul Haq Qasmi.
The apex court declared Dar an absconder in the case owing to his continuous absence in the hearings despite repeated warnings by the top judge.
In Tuesday’s hearing, Mansoor informed the court that “Dar’s diplomatic and other passport have been cancelled. The Ministry of Interior has also blacklisted the former finance minister on National Accountability Bureau’s (NAB) request.”
“Then how will he come back?” the CJP inquired in reference to passport cancellation.
“There is a system in place through which he can be brought back,” Mansoor responded.
“I have spoken to the authorities concerned regarding Dar’s return,” the attorney general informed the apex court.
“You must be aware that NAB has declared Dar as an absconder, can the State still not bring him back?” remarked the CJP.
“We have an extradition treaty with the United Kingdom,” added Justice Ijazul Ahsan.
“For that we will have to take this matter up in the courts over there,” explained the attorney general.
“We have found details of several of Dar’s properties and will submit their records together after inquiry,” NAB’s prosecutor general informed the court, with the attorney general adding that “consultations are under way with concerned departments to bring him back”.
The top court then directed the relevant departments to take further steps to extradite Dar.
The case has been adjourned till next week.