ISLAMABAD: Islamabad High Court (IHC) has acquitted Minister Ahsan Iqbal from NAB reference pertaining to Narowal Sports City Project (NSCP).  A two members bench of IHC presided over by Chief Justice (CJ) Athar Minallah took up case for hearing. Ahsan Iqbal appeared in court along with his counsel. 

Court inquired from NAB investigation officer where corruption was committed in it. He should tell. When case was given to you. 

Investigation officer told court this case was handed over to him in 2018. Accused was arrested in 2019. Court inquired from NAB authorities can they tell what is CDWP. Tell us where corruption has been committed in this case.  Court remarked then chairman NAB took action in this case by taking unknown newspaper from somewhere. This project was evolved with approval of Central Development Working Party (CDWP).  

Investigation officer of this case did not know what CDWP is. NAB prosecutor told we are seeing this case under new amendment ordinance.  Court remarked new amendment ordinance has nothing to do with it. You filed reference without knowing what CDWP is. Have you seen statement of secretary whom you have made approver. 

NAB prosecutor told this project was provincial matter after 18th amendment. This project was handed over to interprovincial coordination ministry.  Court inquired then what power was held by Ahsan Iqbal which was misused. 

Court while addressing NAB authorities remarked you stopped public project. Who became cause of additional expenses in this project.  NAB authorities said they had not stopped project. Court inquired you had framed this case on news of which newspaper. 

Published in The Daily National Courier, September, 22 2022

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