JIT completes inquiry with Hussain Nawaz

• PM’s son says courts act on facts not suspicions
• FIR registered against PTDC managing director

Hussain Nawaz, a businessman and elder son of the prime minister, on his fifth appearance before the Joint Investigation Team (JIT) on Friday, said that the investigation from him had apparently been completed and that he would not be summoned for the purpose in near future.

Talking to reporters outside the Federal Judicial Academy after appearing before the Joint Investigation Team, Hussain said that no court anywhere in the world acts merely on suspicion, rather action is taken on the basis of evidence. He said the JIT would not find any evidence against him, as he had done nothing wrong.

“If some proof is found, then action should be taken and punishment must be given,” he told a questioner. Responding to a question, he said that a CCTV camera was installed at the JIT’s room. Answering a question about the JIT photo leak, he said that only the people who leaked it could give the reason for doing so.

Hussain said that the photo was leaked against ethical and legal codes. He said that recording videos of the JIT’s proceedings was akin to pressurising witnesses appearing before it. He said that it was his fifth appearance before the JIT and he would appear again, if summoned, to abide by the law.

While referring to his younger brother Hassan Nawaz, he said that it was his personal decision not to speak to media following his appearances before the JIT. He said that he was thankful to all those who supported him during the appearances before the JIT, especially the workers who remained with him despite fasting. He also thanked all those people who prayed for him from their homes.

Hussain appreciated the media for keeping the nation aware of the situation in spite of the hot weather and holy month of Ramazan. He said that so far he had no intention to contest the general election. The PML-N activists, who were present on the occasion, continued sloganeering during Hussain’s media talk.

During the day, PTDC Managing Director Abdul Ghafoor, along with other party activists, tried to breach security cordon installed for the safety of the Federal Judicial Academy – which has been designated as the official secretariat of the JIT. The capital police registered a first information report (FIR) against him for his attempt to break into the restricted area.

The official has been booked for hurling threats, defamation, and obstructing public servant from performing their official duty. It may be mentioned here that Ghafoor always visited the FJA whenever sons of the prime minister appear before JIT. On the occasion, Special Assistant Asif Kirmani complained about rigorous investigations from Hussain.

The six-member JIT comprises its head, Federal Investigation Agency Additional Director Wajid Zia, Amer Aziz of the State Bank of Pakistan, SECP’s Communication Executive Director Bilal Rasool, Irfan Naeem Mangi of the National Accountability Bureau, Brigadier Nauman Saeed of the Inter-Services Intelligence and Brigadier Kamran Khurshid from the Military Intelligence.