ISLAMABAD: Supreme Court (SC) has sought more record from FIA on its appeal against nullification of money laundering case against Moonis Elahi.  Deputy Attorney General (DAG) said Lahore High Court (LHC) abolished the case by transgressing its powers. The hearing of the appeal was adjourned for indefinite period.

A 3-member bench of SC presided over by Justice Sardar Tariq Masood took up for hearing the appeal filed against nullification  of money laundering case in respect of Moonis Elahi Friday.  DAG took the plea in the court 11 accused including Moonis Elahi are accused in the case of   money laundering through fake accounts.

Justice Ayesha Malik remarked Lahore High Court (LHC) decision is a detailed decision. Several institutions including NAB have investigated their accounts.  Justice Sardar Tariq Masood raised the question how can investigation be made repeatedly of one matter.  DAG argued NAB was investigating matter of assets beyond known sources of income.

Upon it Justice Tariq Masood inquired the accounts which are being investigated pertain to what period.

DAG told the court some accounts were made in 2007 and some relate to 2010 to 2014.  Justice Sardar Tariq Masood while addressing DAG remarked NAB ended investigations in 2020.  Accountability Court (AC) endorsed it. How it is possible NAB has not reviewed this matter.  DAG said money laundering issue surfaced up due to sugar commission report.

Justice Ayesha Malik remarked Sugar Commission related to the price of sugar.  Commission has not conducted investigation in respect of Rahim Yar Khan mill about which they are making case. FIA has not made it clear so far story started from were.  Justice Sardar Tariq said to DAG according to you the base of case is account of 2007. While anti money   laundering law was enacted in 2010. How can it be applied from past. Details of NAB reference and record be presented then we will make decision on notice has to be issued to Moonis Elahi or otherwise. DAG took the plea high court abolished the case by transgressing its powers.  Justice Yahya Afridi remarked high court has constitutional powers to abolish the case in first hearing.  Hearing of the case was adjourned for indefinite period.

Published in The Daily National Courier, December, 16 2023

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