KARACHI: The Sindh High Court (SHC) again granted protective bail to Gulzar Ahmed, alleged front-man of Sindh Assembly Speaker Agha Siraj Durrani who is living in America and is involved in having assets beyond known sources of income.
On April 26, 2019, a two-member bench, headed by Chief Justice Ahmed Ali M Shaikh also directed him to submit Rs1 million before the nazir of this court as surety and come to Pakistan within 07 days.
During the hearing, counsel for applicant/accused argued that due to illness, his counsel could not reach Pakistan from USA and now he is feeling well and wants to come to Pakistan, therefore, court may again grant his protective bail.
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 to first file power of attorney than court will hear his application for protective bail.
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 embezzling funds for the construction of the MPA Hostel and construction of the new Sindh Assembly building.