Witnesses record statements against Ishaq Dar, present details of tax and bank accounts
Former finance minister has been a no-show in the proceedings against him since Oct last year
January 26, 2018
ISLAMABAD: The accountability court conducting corruption proceedings against former finance minister Senator Ishaq Dar resumed its proceedings today.
Dar, a close aide of Pakistan Muslim League-N chief Nawaz Sharif, is accused of possessing assets disproportionate to his declared sources of income. A reference against him was filed by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) in light of the Supreme Court's July 28 verdict in the Panama Papers case.
Dar, following his indictment, has been a no-show in the proceedings after he departed for London in October last year seeking medical treatment.
During today's hearing, NAB's prosecution witness. excise department Lahore's Mohammad Naeem, recorded his statement first.
Later, private bank official Zafar Iqbal recorded his statement in court and presented records of Dar and his wife's 15 bank accounts.
Dismissed NADRA official Qabos Aziz also appeared in court and recorded his statement. He informed the court that he had provided NAB details of Dar’s family tree when he was called to record his statement with them.
Later, NAB witness Saeed Ahmad, a deputy director at the Election Commission of Pakistan, recorded his statement in court.
Moreover, Lahore Development Authority official Mirza Faizur Rehman also appeared in court to record his statement.
Lastly, NAB witness Ishtiaq Ahmed, commissioner inland revenue (zone 5) Lahore, appeared in court to record his statement and presented Dar's 30-year income tax record.
At the last hearing, three witnesses had recorded their statements against Dar.
On Wednesday, the court had ordered unfreezing of the former finance minister's Hajveri Trust bank account on welfare grounds. The trust manages an orphanage in Lahore.
Following his indictment, Dar's assets were seized by NAB in accordance with the law.
