ISLAMABAD: US authorities have assured the government of help in repatriation of Hamesh Khan, a former chief of the Bank of Punjab (BoP) who is the main accused in a Rs13 billion scam. He had escaped abroad after allegedly favouring some companies in awarding heavy loans.

According to sources in the interior ministry, the matter has been referred to the US department of justice to allow the repatriation of the accused, who is reportedly a close friend of former president Pervez Musharraf.

Chief Justice Iftikhar Mohammad Chaudhry asked officials last week to explain how the accused had fled abroad even though his name was on the exit control list (ECL). He directed the authorities concerned to immediately bring the accused back to the country.

‘US officials assured Pakistani authorities during an Interpol meeting in Singapore last week that the accused will be handed over to Pakistan very soon,’ an official said.

It is believed that Pakistan’s position in fighting the case has been strengthened after it became a delegate member of the Interpol executive council for three years, replacing India.

Interpol was making efforts to help Pakistan get the custody of Hamesh Khan, the official said.

Pakistan has requested both Interpol and the US State Department to help arrest the accused, who fled to the UAE in May.

Pakistan lacks extradition treaties with most other countries, including the US.

However, if the US and Interpol take interest in the matter, it may help in the extradition.

Pakistan’s embassy in Washington plans to take up the case with American officials.