Panama JIT head statement recorded in Ishaq Dar assets reference

ISLAMABAD: The head of joint investigation team (JIT) in Panama Leaks case, Wajid Zia recorded statement in assets beyond known sources of income reference against former finance minister Ishaq Dar in accountability court on Wednesday, ARY News reported.

The key prosecution witness informed the court in his statement that the assets of Ishaq Dar were increased by 91 times from year 1991 to 2008.

He said, the JIT recorded statement of then president of National Bank Saeed Ahmed who didn’t deny the accounts in various banks. Saeed Ahmed admitted that all accounts in foreign banks were opened on the instruction of Ishaq Dar, Wajid Zia told the court.

The accounts were also opened in the name of Hajveri Mazarba, the prosecution witness said.

Saeed Ahmed said that he issued cheque books to accused Naeem Ahmed on instructions of Dar. Naeem Ahmed was an employee of the Hajveri Mazarba.

The JIT head said, Saeed Ahmed had denied transactions in the accounts.

Three co-accused in the case, Saeed Ahmed, Naeem Mehmood and Mansoor Rizvi were present in the court during the hearing today.

In the previous hearing, defence counsel completed cross-examination of the accountant of Hajveri Trust.

Accountability Judge Mohammad Bashir adjourned the case till the next hearing on May 08 in which the lawyers will cross-examine the witness.

Accountant of Hajveri Trust Karamat Ali in previous hearing recorded his statement, in the assets case against Ishaq Dar.

A reference was filed by National Accountability Bureau (NAB) against Ishaq Dar following the Supreme Court’s July 28 verdict in the Panama Papers case.