ISLAMABAD – The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has submitted areport on Monday on alleged money laundering to the tune of Rs35 billion inthe Supreme Court (SC).
During the hearing of the high-profile case involving former president AsifZardari and his sister Faryal Talpur, the Chief justice, Mian Saqib Nisarremarked that they would not let anyone utilize the money collected throughfelonious means.
On the occasion, the director general of FIA, Bashir Memon appeared beforethe court and Justice Nisar expressed that if the official is found guiltyof making an illegitimate case against the accused, he would be punished.
Those facing inquiry list should clear themselves of the charges, advisedthe top judge.
In his statement, FIA chief said more than 10 political personalities areallegedly involved in fictitious transactions through fake bank accounts.
Two of the primary accused are former president Asif Ali Zardari and hissister Faryal Talpur, who were summoned multiple times but failed to appearbefore the investigation team, he said.
The top judge warned Farooq Naik, the counsel for PPP leaders, ofconsequences if the accused are found guilty of gathering illegal money.
To this, Naik replied that what would happen if the investigative agencyfound nothing in the case to which CJP Nisar clarified that the court willaward them a certificate of honesty if nothing substantial is found againstthem.
Justice Umer Ata Bandial said that we want an answer from Omni group andothers involved in money laundering scam.
During the course of proceedings, a former worker of the private bank alsorecorded her statement in court and said she was being threatened by police.
The Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Mian Saqib Nisar directed the concerneddepartments to provide complete information about the bank accounts’ owners.
Earlier, the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) decided to approach theSupreme Court over non-appearance of Asif Ali Zardari and Faryal Talpurbefore the joint investigation team (JIT), probing a Rs35 billion moneylaundering case.
On August 1, the FIA had issued notices to Zardari and Talpur to appearbefore a JIT in Islamabad on Saturday but the duo again failed to appearbefore the team.