PML-N MNA Afzal Khokhar arrested in land grabbing case
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LAHORE: Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz MNA Afzal Khokhar was arrested from outside the Supreme Court Lahore Registry, in connection with a land grabbing case.
The police arrested the MNA over his alleged involvement in a case registered with the Nawab Town police on a complaint by British resident Muhammad Ali Zafar. The complainant had stated that he bought 34 marlas land from one Tariq Mehmood a few years ago but now Khokhar Palace, the MNA's residence, had been built on his land. He asked for action against the MNA, saying that the chief justice had directed for moving application regarding land grabbing to police.
Zafar granted one Fayyaz Ahmad the authority to fight the case on his behalf, as he had been residing in London for the last 20 years.
Meanwhile, the Supreme Court ordered to retrieve 48 acres government land in Kasur from illegal occupation of Khokhar brothers.
The bench headed by Chief Justice Mian Saqib Nisar passed the orders while hearing a number of complaints against MNA Afzal Khokhar and his brother MPA Saif ul Malook Khokhar for illegally occupying land of the common citizens.
During the proceedings, director general Anti-corruption Punjab and director Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) apprised the bench that they conducted initial investigations from MNA Afzal Khokhar's brother Shafi Khokhar regarding land grabbing complaints, in compliance with court directions. They submitted that further probe was required to unearth real facts and requested the court for granting time in this regard.
At this stage, a superintendent of police apprised the court that Nawab Town police had registered a case against MNA Afzal Khokhar in connection with charges of land grabbing.
He further submitted that Khokhar brothers had also admitted illegal occupation of 48 acres of government land in Kasur.
To which, Shafi Khokhar sought unconditional apology from the bench.
However, the chief justice remarked that pardon could be awarded only, if he returned all illegal occupied land of poor people. The bench rejected the request by Khokhar brothers of not arresting them in land grabbing cases.
Subsequently, the bench sought complete details of property owned by the Khokhar brothers and ordered to retrieve 48 acres government land from their possession.
The court also directed for completing investigations from Khokhar brothers and consolidation officer in a week. MNA Afzal Khokhar and his
brother MPA Saif-ul-Malook Khokhar along with their counsel Ahsan Bhoon were also present during the proceedings.
Earlier, the bench had asked director general Anti-corruption Punjab and director FIA to hold initial investigations from Shafi Khokhar in connection with land grabbing issue, at the outset of hearing.
It is pertinent to mention that the police arrested MNA Afzal Khokhar as he came out of the Supreme Court building after attending the proceedings.
APP
