KARACHI: Sindh High Court heard petition of former Sindh Minister Mukesh Kumar Chawla and others against harassment. Former Excise and Taxation Minister Chawla and Excise Department officers had filed plea in High Court against harassment of National Accountability Bureau in an inquiry related to misuse of power and corruption. Court restrained NAB from arresting Chawla and other petitioners until next hearing of case.

Court sought reasons of reopening inquiry from NAB. Bench also summoned former inquiry officer Mirza Ali Beg in personal capacity. "Assemblies were exist when call-up notice was issued. Why action not taken from year 2021 and inquiry activated after dissolution of assemblies," bench questioned. "You know elections are nearing and has started your actions. What you did in last two years" court asked investigation officer.
"Inquiry was initiated in 2021 and later suspended," IO replied. "Inquiry was taken from former IO and handed me over," IO said. "We didn't issue an arrest warrant or call-up notice," he said. "Matter has been at inquiry level," he informed court.
"Why did you close inquiry earlier and we know NAB's practice, how it works," court remarked. "You will be sent to jail, if court found your malicious intention," bench warned. Court ordered to send copy of order to DG NAB and adjourned further hearing of case until October 10. 

Published in The Daily National Courier, September, 13 2023

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