An accountability court in Islamabad on Saturday handed over former federal minister Fawad Chaudhry to National Accountability Bureau (NAB) on six-day physical remand in connection with a corruption case. The court ordered the NAB officials to again produce Fawad Chaudhry in court on January 5, 2024. Earlier in the day, the court reserved its ruling on NAB’s plea for extension in the physical remand. The NAB sought another 10-day physical remand from the court in case pertaining to misappropriation in land procurement for Pind Dadan Khan Jhelum Road construction. The NAB investigation officer told the court that in 10 days’ physical remand relevant record and statements were verified. “Bank records have been summoned in which some transactions have been suspicious and required further investigation with Fawad Chaudhry,” IO said. Seeking further physical remand, he said with this remand inquiry will be completed. “Contractor and XEN have been summoned in NAB on January 02,” he said, adding “Eight of 16-kanal land procured has been transferred in the name of Fawad Chaudhry.” The Judge questioned Fawad Chaudhry about NAB’s behaviour.

After experiencing various institutions in a year, the former minister said, the NAB’s behaviour was okay. He said that the road project was approved by provincial and federal governments, NAB could not open inquiry against government. “The ECNEC had passed the road project, the NAB is not authorized to open feasibility of an approved project,” Fawad Chaudhry said and added “It was a project of FWO, and no tenders were issued for the road project.” “NAB claim that five million were distributed in my family, which is false. I request the court to discharge me from this case,” he prayed to the judge. “Five million rupees were received from the contractor as federal minister with the promise of awarding contract to him,” investigation officer said. Defence lawyer Faisal Chaudhry said that the contractor has been summoned on Jan 02 while the court has been requested for 10-day remand which is totally unnecessary. Fawad Chaudhry has been arrested on the inquiry stage, it is a bid to keep him out of elections, Faisal Chaudhry further said.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)