ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court on Monday directed the authorities concerned to ensure process of deportation for the former head of the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA), Tauqir Sadiq, from UAE be completed till Feb 14.

A two-member bench comprising Justice Jawwad S. Khawaja and Justice Khilji Arif Hussain was hearing the OGRA implementation case.

The court directed FIA, ministries of interior and foreign affairs and all other authorities of the government and their subordinate divisions and offices within Pakistan or abroad to render full and prompt assistance to the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) in diligently pursuing the absconding accused and to bring him back to Pakistan.

The court directed that if the process to deport Tauqir Sadiq did not complete by February 14, steps be taken to extend his detention period.

The bench directed Prosecutor General NAB K.K Agha to submit a petition for the arrest of Tauqir Sadiq in the accountability court and said that after the arrest warrant was issued, the deportation process should have been completed.

The court noted that Cabinet Division’s letter was tantamount to interfering with the NAB investigation. The court noted that from reading some provisions, it does appear, prima facie, that if a diligent effort is made, the absconder can be deported from UAE.

The further hearing of the case was adjourned to Feb 18.