PML-N’s Khawaja Asif skips NAB interrogation

Graft-busters summons former foreign minister again on July 3

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LAHORE: Former foreign minister Khawaja Asif on Friday did not appear before a combined investigation team (CIT) of the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) that had summoned the PML-N leader in connection with its probe into alleged irregularities in a housing society.

Instead of appearing before the CIT at NAB Lahore’s Thokar Niaz Beg office, Asif’s counsel submitted written replies to NAB queries. The investigators have now summoned him July 3.

NAB has initiated an inquiry against developers of Sailkot’s Kent View Housing Society including Khawaja Asif. “Evidence collected so far prima facie reveals that you established a housing project – namely Kent View Housing Society Sialkot – which has been operating illegally,” said NAB’s call-up notice of June 24.

NAB notice had asked Asif to provide the sources and total amount of funds invested in the project by him and his family members – wife and son – and other partners or close relatives.

NAB summons Khawaja Asif on June 26

It had alleged that he illegally sold plots in excess of the approved layout plan of 137 kanals in collusion with the management of the society. It claimed that Asif in connivance with revenue authorities obtained relevant approvals despite the fact that society was in illegal occupation of state land.

“You in collusion with management of the society illegally occupied various pieces of land owned by individuals who never sold their land to the society,” the notice read. It had asked him to come along with “relevant record/information” on the day of interrogation.

Khawaja is among the main leaders of the former ruling party – including the PML-N President Shehbaz Sharif, Hamza Shehbaz, Rana Sanaullah, Javed Latif and Saad Rafique – who are facing NAB inquiries, investigations and references.

For the last few months, NAB has been accusing the party’s leaders of non-cooperation.

On June 2, Shehbaz Sharif skipped a NAB hearing in connection with its probe into two graft cases, citing health concerns – a move that was followed by high drama with a NAB team raiding the opposition leader’s residence at Lahore’s Model Town.

A day later, the Lahore High Court (LHC) granted anticipatory bail to Shehbz and stopped NAB from arresting him till June 17. Shehbaz later appeared before a NAB CIT but later claimed that he has been tested positive for coronavirus.

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