KARACHI: The Sindh High Court (SHC) directed NAB authorities to file complete details regarding NAB reference and investigation on a bail petition filed by suspect namely Muhammad Javed Hanif, former chairman Karachi Port Trust (KPT), who was involved in corruption case and abuse of authority for illegally appointing 940 employees in KPT.
On Thursday, a two-member bench heard the matter. During the hearing, Rashid A Rizvi Advocate and NAB officials appeared before the court. NAB officials sought time to file comments, however, Rashid A Rizvi Advocate argued that his client is also contesting general election and due to the arrest, he is being deprived of free and fair election campaign. Rashid A Rizvi further argued that court may direct the NAB to release him immediately.
It needs to be mentioned here that Muhammad Javed Hanif, former chairman Karachi Port Trust (KPT), is confined in Central Jail Karachi on judicial remand.
According to the NAB, Javed Hanif is involved in charges of corruption and abuse of authority for illegally appointing 940 employees in KPT in connivance with MQM’s Babar Ghauri, the then minister for ports and shipping.
It further argued that the appointments were made in violation of KPT law, rules and regulations “without advertisement of vacancies, competitive process, age criteria, medical examination of appointees and in violation of basic formalities”.
A large number of those appointed had a criminal record in serious cases such as “terrorism, premeditated murder and robbery” and that the illegal appointments resulted in losses to the national exchequer to the tune of Rs2.8 billion, NAB said.
After hearing arguments, the court directed NAB officials to file comments on July 17, 2018.
