PHC grants bail to ex-bureaucrats in assets’ case

PESHAWAR: The Peshawar High Court (PHC) on Thursday granted bail to Zakiullah, former secretary of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Housing Department, and his brother Zafarullah Khan, former assistant inspector general (AIG) Traffic Police, who had been arrested by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) for allegedly accumulating assets beyond their known sources of income.

A two-member bench of Justice Waqar Ahmad Seth and Justice Musarrat Hilali issued release order of the suspects after hearing arguments from their lawyer and the NAB prosecutors.During hearing, Qazi Jawad Ihsanullah, counsel for the petitioners submitted that the NAB Khyber Pakhtunkhwa had arrested Zakiullah along with his brother Zafarullah Khan for allegedly accumulating illegal assets worth Rs150 million. The lawyer submitted that the NAB investigation regarding assets of the petitioners was against the facts as most of the property, which the NAB claimed had been acquired through illegal means, was their inherited property. He informed the bench that the two brothers had obtained loans from banks for construction of the bungalows.

He argued that the petitioners were cooperating with the NAB and had provided all documents required by it. He said Zafarullah Khan was 70 years old but the NAB did not give him a chance to defend himself against the allegations.

On the other hand, the NAB prosecutor opposed the release of the suspects on bail. He said that if the petitioners wanted to secure their release, why they do not opt for plea bargain with the NAB.

He said the NAB took cognisance of the matter and inquiry was authorised to ascertain the facts and collect evidence regarding the moveable and immoveable properties owned, controlled and possessed by the accused in their name and in the name of their dependents.

He noted that the accused Zakiullah held key positions, including member Chief Minister’s Inspection Team and secretary housing while in government service.The NAB prosecutor said Zafarullah also remained in the government service and held various positions.

He said that as per the NAB list, the properties owned by the two brothers included a bungalow in Abbottabad Cantonment, two precious bungalows on Shami Road in Peshawar Saddar, house at Shadman Colony on Warsak Road in Peshawar, bungalow on Kakul Road in Abbottabad, bungalow in DHA Islamabad, two plots of land in Regi Model Town Peshawar, precious plot of land in Abbottabad Cantonment, plot of land in Hayatabad in Peshawar, plot in DHA Islamabad, and two vehicles - XLI Corolla and Suzuki Cultus.