ISLAMABAD: An accountability court on Wednesday recorded the statement of the National Accountability Bureau’s (NAB) investigation officer in assets beyond means reference against former finance minister Ishaq Dar.
NAB investigation officer, Nadir Abbas, recorded his statement in the court presided over by accountability judge Mohammad Bashir.
Co-accused in the reference, former president of the National Bank of Pakistan (NBP) Saeed Ahmed, Naeem Mehmood and Mansoor Raza Rizvi were also present during the case hearing. The court, then, adjourned the hearing until July 17. Defense counsels will cross-examine Abbas in the next hearing.
Earlier in the case hearing, head of joint investigation team (JIT) in Panama Leaks probe Wajid Zia had recorded his statement as the prosecution witness. He was later cross-examined by the defense counsels.
A reference was filed by the bureau against Ishaq Dar following the Supreme Court’s July 28, 2017 verdict in the Panama Papers case.
It may be mentioned here that the court has declared Dar as a proclaimed offender due to his continuous absence from hearing of the case.
A memorandum of understanding (MoU) was also signed between British and Pakistan authorities over Dar’s extradition to Pakistan. He is facing charges of accumulating assets beyond known sources of income.
The document was signed after Adviser to Prime Minister on Accountability Shahzad Akbar held talks with British Home Secretary Sajid Javid.
Meanwhile, Dar has categorically rejected reports of any deal with the government on any account and said if there is any such thing, it should be made public.
