ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has approved the bail application of a former director of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and ordered for his immediate release.
Shafqat Ali Cheema was arrested by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) on 17th May for the possession of assets beyond his legal means and illegal ownership of lands.
Justice Athar Minallah approved the bail application and ordered to submit surety bond worth Rs2 million. Amjad Iqbal, the counsel for Cheema submitted a medical report, said that the health of this client was deteriorating and required immediate treatment.
He said that they medical report suggests that Cheema requires a by-pass surgery, and pleaded the court to approve his bail request, which was accepted by the court who ordered for his immediate release.
Cheema is alleged to be involved in embezzlement of millions of ruppees and possession of illegal assets. He allegedly misused powers while at the Foreign Office where he was in-charge of the Nepal, Bhutan and Sri Lanka desk.
NAB had also recovered Rs 50 million from his account, while subsequent investigations also revealed that he had also issued Pakistani passports to several foreign nationals.
