FIA decides not to immediately arrest Zardari, Faryal Talpur

KARACHI: The Federal Investigation Agency decided on Tuesday not to immediately arrest Pakistan Peoples’ Party co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari and his sister Faryal Talpur in relation to the money laundering case.

Earlier, the FIA had summoned the two regarding the ongoing probe against them.

The FIA is investigating 32 people in relation to money laundering from benami account, under which Zardari’s close aide Hussain Lawai was also arrested earlier.

Following which the names of the former president and his sister were also placed on the Exit Control List — barring them from travelling abroad.

The FIA has constituted a seven-member team for the investigation, whereas, the apex court has summoned Zardari and Talpur on July 12 in relation to the case.

The FIA issued notices to the parties’ concerned before the apex court summons. FIA inspector M Ali Abro issued notices and for interrogation the two have been summoned before the FIA State Bank circle on July 11.

On Monday, the names of the PPP co-chairman and his sister were placed on the Exit Control List (ECL) on Supreme Court's orders, according to sources.

Last week, the FIA registered a case in Karachi over a money laundering scandal of Rs35 billion said to implicate politicians, businessmen and bankers.

On July 6, the agency arrested Stock Exchange of Pakistan chairman Hussain Lawai, who is considered to be a close aide of Zardari.