KARACHI: The Sindh High Court (SHC) called investigation officer in person along with the case details in a constitutional petition filed by Anwar Majeed, Chairman Omni Group against alleged harassment by FIA in the garb of money laundering scam. On February 8, 2019, a two-member bench, headed by Justice Aftab Ahmed Gorad heard the matter.
During the hearing, Malik Mumtazul Hasan, assistant director FIA, Faiz H Shah advocate for accused appeared before the court. Counsel for the accused argued that court still waiting for comments from investigation officer and today he is also absent, after the hearing, court called investigation officer in person for Feb 14, 2019.
Another side, same bench directed both parties to file their para wise comments on bail petitions of closed-friend of former president Asif Ali Zardari, Hussain Lawai and Taha Raza who is also confined in jail in mega money laundering scam.
During the hearing, NAB prosecutor argued that chairman NAB is considering transfer of mega money laundering case from Karachi to Islamabad; therefore, court may not proceed on bail application till final decision.
On questioning of the court, NAB prosecutor informed that he hoped, NAB authority will decide this matter within one week, after the hearing, court directed him to submit progress report on next date of hearing.
During the hearing, counsel for the petitioner stated that FIA is conducting investigation in mega money laundering on the direction of Supreme Court of Pakistan and not only petitioner but also his officers/ staff are fully cooperating with prosecution, however, in the grab of investigation, high officials of FIA are continuously harassing them and they were asked to record forcibly confessional statements.
Citing DG FIA, minister of law and others as respondents, petitioner pleaded the court may restrain them from harassment and direct them to act strictly according with law.
He also pleaded the court may restrain them from taking any coercive action against the petitioner