KARACHI: The Sindh High Court (SHC) approved protective bail of Javad Alvi, tax consultant of former president Asif Ali Zaradari, who is facing NAB investigation against money laundering and corruption charges.
On March 22, 2019, a two-member bench, headed by Chief Justice Ahmed Ali M. Shaikh was hearing the matter, during the hearing, counsel for Javad Alvi argued that NAB officials issued call-up notice to his client for charges of money laundering, however, he is innocent and he has apprehension of arrest, therefor, court may grant him protective bail.
After the hearing, court granted him protective bail against surety of Rs10,000,000 and directed him to surrender before NAB officials, court also directed NAB officials not to arrest him.
Another side, the same bench directed NAB prosecutor to file para wise comments on a protective bail application Gulzar Ahmed alleged front-man of Agha Siraj Durrani, Speaker Sindh Assembly.
During the hearing, NAB prosecutor stated that NAB has not received copy of this bail application, therefore, first copy of this petition should be provided than NAB will file its comments, after the hearing, court directed to petitioner’s counsel provide copy.
Counsel for Gulzar Ahmed appeared with brother of Gulzar Ahmed and argued that his counsel is in America and wants to come in Pakistan, however, he has apprehension of arrest from NAB officials, therefore, court may grant his protective bail, however, court asked the counsel who is appearing on behalf of suspect Gulzar Ahmed, on questioning, counsel informed the court that brother of Gulzar Ahmed is appearing on his behalf, however, court observed that power of attorney was not filed in court documents, therefore, court directed counsel, first file power of attorney than court will hear his application for protective bail. In needs to be mentioned here that Agha Siraj Durrani is on physical remand till March 30, 2019.
According to the prosecution, NAB had initiated three separate inquiries against Durrani last year for allegedly owning assets beyond means, illegally recruiting 352 individuals on various government positions and embezzlement of funds for the construction of the MPA Hostel and construction of the new Sindh Assembly building.
