–Court rejects FIA’s request of extending anchorperson’s remand
ISLAMABAD: A local court on Thursday ruled that former Pakistan Television (PTV) chairman and anchorperson Dr Shahid Masood be sent to Adiala Jail on judicial remand in relation to a corruption case pertaining to the state television.
On November 23, the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) arrested Masood from the premises of the Islamabad High Court (IHC) after his bail plea was rejected in the case. The next day, the court had remanded Masood in the FIA’s custody for five days.
The anchorperson was presented before the court of Duty Judge Inamullah on Thursday as his five-day judicial remand ended.
During the hearing, the FIA said that Masood, who was appointed the PTV chairman in the tenure of Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), had signed an agreement with a fake company to negotiate with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for grant of rights for coverage of cricket matches played in Pakistan.
Masood was involved in embezzlement of around Rs37 million from PTV as he negotiated with PCB for media rights and granted them to a fake catering company, FIA said.
The investigation agency requested for an extension in Masood’s remand, however, the judge rejected the request and directed that he be sent to Adiala Jail on judicial remand.
