The Supreme Court on Monday issued notice to Chairman National Accountability Bureau (NAB) to explain why criminal negligence was shown in implementing the court order to arrest former Chairman Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (Ogra) Tauqir Sadiq. Heading a two-member bench Justice Jawwad S Khawaja observed that NAB reports indicated that it was delaying the case by seeking adjournments.
The bench expressed dissatisfaction at the progress made by NAB and remarked that the Chairman NAB was responsible for the performance of the Bureau. It stated that its orders were not implemented in letter and spirit. Justice Jawwad S Khawaja said that it took NAB two months to appoint an Investigating Officer (IO) and when he began his investigation he was transferred in order to delay the matter. And when the IO issued a warrant for the arrest of Sadiq the DG ordered the matter to be investigated afresh. Rana Zahid, Additional Prosecutor General NAB apprised the bench that efforts were being made to bring back former Ogra chief as it was in the interest of the country. Zahid further contended that NAB had submitted an application to the concerned quarters for Sadiq's return.
IO Waqas told the bench that Sadiq was to be brought back on February 27 but a trial court in Dubai extended his stay order by an additional 10 days. The bench observed that Sadiq was provided an opportunity to flee the country and inquired whether warrants were issued against those who sent money through Hundi to Tauqir's wife.
The IO informed the bench that on February 22 he had sent a report from United Arab Emirates on that issue and explained the problems in Sadiq's deportation. The bench expressed surprise that a report sent 10 days ago had still not been submitted in the court given that the case was heard by the Supreme Court on February 26. The bench observed that a lot of money had been spent but the outcome was still zero. Justice Khilji Arif Hussain said ex-chief Ogra was allowed to withdraw Rs 3 billion from banks. The case was adjourned till March 7.