Corruption case: bail petition of Durrani, others transferred to SHC special bench

Chief Justice Sindh High Court (SHC) Justice Ahmed Ali M Sheikh on Tuesday transferred the bail petition of Speaker Sindh Assembly Agha Siraj Durrani and others in a corruption case to a special bench of the court.

The two-member bench comprised of Justice Omar Sial and Justice Shamsuddin Abbasi would conduct hearing of bail plea of Siraj Durrani, Masihuddin and others in embezzlement of public money to the tune of Rs 1.4 billion.

National Accountability Bureau (NAB) furnished the detail of Benahmi properties, cars and others assets of Speaker provincial assembly. As many as twenty persons including the members of Siraj Durrani have been nominated in the reference related to the corruption case.

Siraj Durrani is in jail custody in this case whereas some other accused in the same case have secured the interim bail from the court. Meanwhile, during the hearing of another petition pertaining to Orphanage Act, the SHC was informed that Rs 100 million have been approved/sanctioned and 25 millions have been released as grant in aid to the Board of Sindh Dar-ul-Atfal, Karachi.

The court hoped that every penny thereof, being a trust for destitute ones, shall be shown towards its objectives. The court directed Secretary Social Welfare, who is also secretary Dar-ul-Atfal Board, to undertake utilization of funds and amount shall be used for financial aid to the orphanage and their education.

The court also ordered that Orphanage Board shall ensure registration of all orphanage private centers including details which shall be highlighted on website with details of the names as well shall further ensure their wellbeing including education.

In case if any orphanage institution is not allowing education to any kid, girl and boy or is found against wellbeing of registered / enrolled ones, necessary action must be taken against them which should not be limited to coercive actions but should include fines as well functioning thereof, if things are not corrected, the court stated.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2019