KARACHI: The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) Karachi has recommended filing of a reference against a former Sindh chief secretary, initiating an inquiry against the speaker of Sindh Assembly and a former IG prisons, the bureau’s spokesperson said on Friday.

These and other cases came under deliberations in a meeting of Regional Board of NAB Karachi chaired by DG NAB Karachi Dr Najaf Quli Mirza.

The meeting approved one reference, conversion of four inquiries into investigations and eight plea bargain applications, added the spokesperson.

The meeting participants recommended filing of a reference against officials of Sindh Social Relief Fund (SSRF).

The accused Fazal-ur-Rehman, former chief secretary Sindh/chairman of SSRF and others are allegedly involved in misuse of authority, misappropriation and embezzlement of SSRF funds by investing the same in mutual funds.

It also recommended conversion of inquiry into investigation against Agha Siraj Durrani, Sindh Assembly Speaker and others on the allegation of embezzlement of funds in project of MPA hostel in Karachi.

They suggested conversion of an inquiry into investigation against officials of Roshan Sindh Solar Programme and others.

The accused are allegedly involved in embezzlement of funds.

NAB also suggested conversion of an inquiry into investigation against Nusrat Hussain Mangan, former IG prisons and others.

The board also approved conversion of inquiry into investigation against accused Hafeez ur Rehman Butt, owner M/s Orient Housing Services Builders and Developers of Billy’s Green Wood Residency, Superhighway, Babar Chugtai and others.

The spokesperson said the accused were involved in cheating public at large.

The board meeting recommended plea bargain application of accused Faheem Ahmed of Rs4.610 million.

The board recommended plea bargain applications of accused Nasr Zia of Rs9.25m and Mohammad Ahmer Aslam of Rs9.25m; M. Arif Siddiq of Rs49.34m and Mohammad Jawaid of Rs7.77m; Mohammad Iqbal, Mohammad Arif (partners of M/s Marhaba Properties) and Syed Aamir Ali Shah (M/s Axis Constructions).

The board also accepted plea bargain applications of M. Arif Siddiq, M. Jawaid and Faisal Waseem for surrendering their 50pc share in usurped plots and recommended for approval of accountability court.

Published in Dawn, September 18th, 2021