ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court has turned down request of the National Accountability Bureau for arresting PPP leader Khursheed Shah’s wives, children and other family members in an assets beyond means case.
Chief Justice of Pakistan Umar Atta Bandial ruled that it’s not right to make a case against anyone without solid evidence. “How can we put his family in jail when Khursheed Shah is out himself,” he asked.
Last year, Shah was granted bail over lack of evidence. The court had ordered Shah to submit surety bonds worth Rs10 million.
On Tuesday, NAB prosecutor argued that contractor Abdul Razzaq paid Rs2.5 million to Shah. “On what basis is a cheque called a bribe of commission?” Justice Ayesha Malik inquired.
However, CJP remarked that the money could have been for anything else. “NAB should work hard in the investigation and prove the case in the trial court,” he added.
PPP leader was arrested in 2019 and a case was later filed against him on charges of owning properties beyond declared assets justifiable income. The reference was filed against 18 people including Shah, his wives, daughters, sons, and close aides for misappropriation of Rs1.23 billion.
On October 21, the court had instructed NAB to continue investigating him but not keep him in jail permanently. The politician’s name was later placed on the Exit Control List which means he won’t be able to travel outside Pakistan.
