The Supreme Court on Monday directed Federal Investigation Authority (FIA), Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other concerned government authorities to render prompt assistance to National Accountably Bureau (NAB) to help it arrest former Chairman Ogra in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Heading a two-member bench, Justice Jawwad S Khawaja resumed the hearing of the Tauqir Sadiq arrest case and issued directives to FIA, Interior Ministry and NAB to ensure Sadiq's return to Pakistan before the expiry of his detention on February 14 in the UAE. The bench also sought from Prosecutor General NAB KK Agha a report pertaining to efforts made by the top anti graft body since January 1, 2013 to arrest Tauqir Sadiq.
During the course of proceedings, the bench was informed that Cabinet Division issued a letter to the Chairman NAB to keep the Establishment and Cabinet Division updated by submitting a fortnightly report in the instant matter. Justice Jawwad S Khawaja ruled: "The letter is most alarming because it, prima facie, shows interference in the functioning and status of NAB as an independent investigator and prosecutor."
The court was told that Sadiq had been detained in Al Wathba Prison Abu Dhabi for a period of 15 days ending February 14, 2013, which was extendable to 30 days. The bench directed NAB to take immediate steps to obtain warrants/orders from the competent Court for the purpose of bringing Sadiq back from the UAE before his detention period could be extended.
Agha apprised the bench that Sadiq was not a UAE citizen and the cancellation of his passport by the Pakistani authorities implied that Sadiq had been residing in the UAE as an illegal alien. He further said that relevant authorities in the UAE had been asked to deport the former Chairman Ogra; however, he added, deportation would take time. Admonishing the authorities, the bench said: 'there is nothing on record to indicate that any request at an official level through the right official quarters has been made by the Government of Pakistan to the Government of the UAE seeking the deportation of the absconder [Tauqir Sadiq]'. The bench directed NAB to act with alacrity and independent of the government, the cabinet division and the Prime Minister. The hearing of the case was adjourned till February 18.