LAHORE: The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) has unearthed local and offshore properties of former Planning and Development Punjab chairman Suleman Ghani who has been in its custody in Chiniot mines case.

The NAB unearthed three houses in Lahore, a 20-kanal plot in Cantt Lahore, an under-construction house on 30 kanals in Defence Phase VIII, Lahore, and 10-kanal plot in Phase-V. A house in Brussels and an apartment in London he allegedly made in the name of his daughters. An apartment on a four-kanal plot Mr Ghani also made in his daughter’s name. The NAB may initiate proceedings against him for possessing assets beyond his known sources of income.

In Chiniot mines investigation, Suleman Ghani being chairman P&D Punjab and member of board of Punjab Mineral Development Corporation (Punjmin) is accused of not “deliberately raising any objection” on decision made by the board in its 69th meeting to hold negotiation and draft MoU with M/s ERPL for joint venture agreement of iron ore deposits in Chiniot to render favour to the company of suspect Arshad Waheed.

“Suleman Ghani with mala fide intention endorsed the proposed summary of joint venture of M/s ERPL with Punjmin for the approval of CM Punjab despite the fact that Pujmin was not authorised to make agreement with a private company as per its Act,” NAB said.

Published in Dawn, October 9th, 2019