A division bench of Sindh High Court comprising Justice Amir Hani Muslim and Justice Muneeb Ahmed Khan on Wednesday granted interim pre-arrest bail to ex-Director Corporate Planning, PIA, against surety of Rs 1 million in reference filed by National Accountability Bureau (NAB) in the Accountability Court, Karachi.
It was alleged Rashid Hassan along with other co-accused Daryus Cyrus Minwala, General Sales Manager, Cathay Pacific Airways & a private beneficiary Pervaiz Hussain were involved in purchasing used and worn-out aircraft for PIA, causing huge loss to national the flag carrier.
They were charged with taking huge illegal gratification in agreement relating to induction of six B-747-300 aircraft in PIA fleet on lease for a period of one year, instead of purchase at the outset on the ground that induction of new aircraft normally required a lead time of at least 18 to 24 months.
Applicant's counsel Saadat Yar Khan submitted sale of aircraft was concluded in June 2002 whereas the applicant was transferred to Flight Services Department in July 2001. NAB failed to appreciate Flight Services Department, of which Rashid Hassan was Director at the time of sale deed. Hence he had no nexus nor was involved in any aircraft transaction.
He stated that on the other hand NAB reference did not contain names of any members who leased aircraft. NAB did not conduct any inquiry against members of committee who over ruled economic viability report presented by applicant and yet proceeded to lease aircraft.
He stated his client was wrongly implicated in the impugned reference and prayed to grant him pre-arrest bail to avoid arrest and humiliation. The SHC bench after hearing arguments of applicant's counsel granted interim pre-arrest bail and fixed June 13, 2007 for confirmation.