Fake accounts case: FIA summons Zardari, Faryal

KARACHI: The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) on Tuesday issued notices, summoning former president Asif Ali Zardari and his sister, Faryal Talpur for recording their statements about the alleged Rs35 billion money laundering scam today (Wednesday). Both the siblings have been summoned at 10am today (July 11) to record their statements in the case and earlier notices were issued to them, the Geo News reported.

The notices were issued by FIA Inspector Muhammad Ali, who asked the siblings to appear before the FIA’s State Bank Circle in Karachi. On Monday, the names of the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) chairman and his sister were placed on the Exit Control List (ECL) on Supreme Court's orders. The order came as Chief Justice of Pakistan Justice Mian Saqib Nisar took notice of the slow pace of inquiry into the case. The duo are among 20 others summoned by the apex court on July 12 in the money laundering case. The Inspector General Sindh Police, Amjad Javid Saleemi, was directed by the apex court to ensure their presence for the hearing.

Last week, the FIA registered a case of Rs35 billionmoney laundering scandal allegedly implicating top politicians, businessmen and bankers. On July 6, the FIA arrested Stock Exchange of Pakistan chairman Hussain Lawai, who is considered to be a close aide of Zardari. The FIA officials maintain that 32 people, including Lawai, are being investigated for laundering billions of rupees through fictitious bank accounts. The FIA has constituted a seven-member joint investigation team to probe into the case. It will be headed by Additional DG FIA Dr Najaf Quli Mirza. Other members of the JIT includes Director FIA Punjab Dr Usman Anwar, Director FIA Sindh Muneer Ahmed Sheikh, Additional Director Banking Circle Karachi Faizullah Korejo, Deputy Director FIA Sindh Ali Mardan Khoso and two deputy directors of FIA Punjab, Chaudhry Mohammad Ahmed and Khalid Anis. According to sources, the FIA has pasted its notices at the Bilawal House, Karachi, and Faryal's residence at D 75, block 5, Clifton.

Asim Yasin adds from Islamabad: “The PPP has decided that instead of former president Asif Ali Zardari, his legal counsel Senator Farooq H Naek will represent him and Faryal Talpur before the FIA investigation team today (Wednesday) as the law permits representation through the legal counsel,” Secretary General PPP Parliamentarians Farhatullah Babar told The News. Senator Farooq H Naek, after attending the PPP’ meeting in Lahore, left for Karachi with the documentary proofs which would be handed over to the FIA’s team and to answer their queries.

In her reaction, PPP's Senator Sherry Rehman claimed that the opponents were afraid of PPP's popularity in the country. Talking to the media after a meeting jointly presided over by PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and Co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari here, she alleged that the party is being snubbed even though it is participating in the elections. She alleged that the National Accountability Bureau has double standards and is targeting the PPP.

About the notice of the Supreme Court in a money laundering case, Farhatullah Babar said the PPP has not received the notice, but got the information through the social media. “As per law, the representation could be made through a lawyer but if personal appearance is necessary, then the former president will go,” he said.