Dateline Investigation Cell
ISLAMABAD: In a significant development, the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) has issued a call-up notice to Mr. Imran Ahmed Khan Niazi, the ex-Prime Minister of Pakistan, in relation to an investigation under the National Accountability Ordinance (NAO) 1999. The inquiry, initiated against Mr. Khan and others, revolves around alleged misuse of authority as public office holders, leading to an illegal transfer of £190 million for personal gains.
The investigation appears to be linked to the freezing of £20 million from the bank accounts of two Pakistani nationals, Ahmad Ali Riaz and Mubashra Ali Malik, by the United Kingdom’s National Crime Agency (NCA) under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002. Subsequently, on 12th August 2019, the NCA further froze £119.7 million from the bank accounts of Malik Riaz Family, including a property in Hyde Park, London, also under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002.
The call-up notice raises questions about the repatriation of these funds to Pakistan. According to the note dated 2nd December 2019, it was mentioned that the funds would be returned to the Exchequer in Pakistan, but the funds were not transferred as stated. Instead, they were allegedly dishonestly and maliciously adjusted against the liability of Bahria Town Ltd. Karachi.
Further, allegations of obtaining material and monetary benefit from Bahria Town in the form of land, donations, and other benefits under the garb of the Al Qadir University Project Trust are also brought forward against Mr. Khan.
The call-up notice, originally issued on 2nd March 2023, was previously ignored, leading to the conversion of the inquiry into an investigation. Mr. Khan is now summoned to appear on 4th August 2023 at 11:30 AM at NAB (Rawalpindi), G-6, Islamabad before the CIT Investigation Wing-II to record his plea and provide the specified documents.
Non-compliance with the notice may have penal consequences, as provided under the schedule of the NAO 1999. The Islamabad High Court had earlier granted an ad-interim bail to Mr. Khan on 12th May 2023, but it directed him to participate and join the investigation whenever required.
This development has garnered widespread attention as it involves a high-profile political figure, and the investigation seeks to shed light on alleged financial irregularities during Mr. Khan’s tenure as Prime Minister of Pakistan.
