Ahmed Khalil, others summoned: Riaz appears before JIT, records statement

FAZAL SHER

ISLAMABAD: Real estate tycoon Malik Riaz on Friday appeared before Joint Investigation Team (JIT) here at National Accountability Bureau (NAB) headquarters in connection with Arsalan/Riaz case.

Riaz recorded his statement and placed more evidence before the investigation team. The JIT team has broadened the scope of inquiry after it obtained more evidence from Malik Riaz. The members of JIT cross-examined Riaz in relation to his allegations that he levelled against Arsalan Iftikhar, the son of Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry, in the graft case, a senior NAB official said.

According to him, the JIT consists of senior officials from NAB, Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) and police along with legal, financial and forensic experts.

The official said that JIT has furnished to Riaz a detailed questionnaire. Riaz is now required to answer questions and clarify points raised in the questionnaire and submit it to the JIT by July 24. Riaz submitted evidence to substantiate his contention and requested the JIT to give him more time to provide additional documentary and other evidence related to alleged questionable and illegal transactions, he said.

The official said the JIT had summoned Dr Arsalan Iftikhar Chaudhry, Salman Ahmed and Ahmed Khalil to appear before it on July 23 to record their statements. The JIT directed Inspectors General Police (IGP) Islamabad and Punjab to ensure delivery of notices to the suspected people involved in the case, he said.

According to him, the JIT will also visit the UK and the UAE for the purpose of collecting evidence. The JIT had obtained relevant record from various agencies in this case, he said.

The NAB official said that the JIT collected information under provisions of the National Accountability Ordinance 1999. Different banks and financial institutions have been asked throuth notices issued under section 19 to obtain information and record on transactions and accounts of alleged beneficiaries, according to him.

According to section 20 of the NAB Ordinance, suspicious financial transactions fall within NAB’s domain and makes it mandatory for the banks to report such transactions to the concerned authorities.

Talking to media before he appeared before the JIT, Riaz said he would be providing more evidence to the JIT and he had no reservations over NAB’s investigation. According to him, he has complete trust in Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry.