ISLAMABAD: An accountability court in Islamabad on Thursday extended the remand of Tauqir Sadiq, former chief of the Oil and Gas Regularity Authority (Ogra) accused of involvement in a multi-billion rupee scam, to October 21, DawnNews reported.

Sadiq was also brought to court during today’s proceedings from Adiala Jail during which his remand was extended to October 21.

Meanwhile, Tauqir’s brother Tanvir Sadiq submitted a bail application on his behalf in the Islamabad High Court.

Sadiq is accused of misusing authority, embezzling funds and causing Rs82 billion (approximately $850 million) losses to the national exchequer by converting operating income (regular income) into non-operating income in violation of an agreement signed with the Asian Development Bank and the World Bank, relocating several CNG stations, making illegal appointments, etc.

He fled abroad soon after the Supreme Court declared his appointment as Ogra chief illegal on November 25, 2012, and ordered NAB to arrest him.

Sadiq managed to leave the country although his name was on the exit control list. He was handed over by UAE authorities to a team of NAB officials on July 8.

Two former prime ministers — Yousuf Raza Gilani and Raja Pervez Ashraf — have been accused of being involved in the ‘illegal’ appointment of Sadiq.