SC directs FIA to complete investigation in EOBI scam in ten days
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ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court on Monday directed the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) to complete within ten days its investigation in the multi-billion scam of Employees' Old-Age Benefits Institution (EOBI) within ten days and submit a detailed report before the bench.
A three-judge bench led by Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry and comprising of Justice Ijaz Ahmed Chaudhry and Justice Gulzar Ahmed, resumed the hearing over the Suo-Motu case in the multi-billion scam of the EOBI.
The bench also directed the Secretary Interior to extend every possible cooperation to the FIA for completing investigation in the case.
The bench also directed the interior ministry to provide security to former Chairman Defense Housing Authority (DHA) Tariq Kamal and the journalist who uncovered the scam in the EOBI.
During the hearing, Secretary EOBI submitted an initial report which stated that during a board's meeting on June 11, 2013 it was decided that no property should be purchased without carrying out audit and lawful investigation.
The report further stated that currently there was a total of Rs 34.387 billion of investment by the EOBI.
Secretary EOBI informed the court that the properties were purchased under Zaffar Gondal's chairmanship, who is already under arrest in another case.
The Secretary further stated that the government had no funding in the EOBI and it works at its own.
Attorney General Munir A. Malik apprised to the bench that according to a report by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), the vehicles of EOBI had been used during the elections on which the Chairman EOBI was removed from his post.
The Chief Justice remarked that Rs 250 million had been spent to purchase a plot sizing 3 kanal 16 marlas.
Director Investment responded that the EOBI gave an advertisement for the purpose thus it was not un-lawful.
Director General FIA apprised to the bench that the agency had total 11 cases at its disposal and out of them investigation had started on two of them.
He further stated that as many as three culprits had been arrested by the FIA while two others were on bail involved in the scam.
The bench directed the FIA to complete its investigation within ten days and present a detailed report during the next date of hearing and adjourned the case till July 12.
