ISLAMABAD: The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) concluded six corruption inquiries, including the Sharif Trust case involving Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader Nawaz Sharif and his family members.
During the Executive Board Meeting (EBM) on January 1, 2024, chaired by NAB Chairman Lt Gen (retd) Nazir Ahmed Butt, the decision was made and subsequently announced in a statement by the accountability body.
NAB received authorization to close the Sharif Trust case, initially initiated on March 31, 2000, following allegations that the Sharif family received substantial sums of money through illicit means within the Sharif Trust.
Concerns were raised regarding the lack of audit scrutiny on the trust’s accounts and allegations of fund misappropriation. Additionally, accusations included the acquisition of assets by the Sharif family through benami properties held under the trust’s name.
Previously, a joint investigation team (JIT), formed to investigate the Panama Papers, criticized NAB for delaying the investigation into the Sharif Trust case without adequate justification. The JIT recommended swift action be taken by NAB to conclude the investigation.
Under Section 31-B of the National Accountability Act, 2022, amended during the Shehbaz Sharif-led Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) government, the bureau terminated the investigation. This section permits the withdrawal or termination of proceedings if deemed unjustified, considering the overall facts, circumstances, and evidence.
In addition to the Sharif Trust case, NAB also closed the Safe City corruption case involving Islamabad Inspector General (IG) Akbar Nasir Khan and the Park Enclave Housing Society case involving officers/officials of the Capital Development Authority (CDA).
(Islamabad51_Newsdesk)
