Court declares Saaf Pani project clean and transparent project

LAHORE, Feb 12 (Online): Accountability Court (AC) Lahore while declaring the former Chief Minister (CM) Punjab Shahbaz Sharif Saaf Pani project clean and transparent has issued written order for acquittal of 16 accused persons including PML-N leader Raja Qamar ul Islam.

Judge AC Lahore Muhammad Sajid Ali has issued the written decision for exoneration of 16 accused including PML-N leader Raja Qamar ul Islam in Saaf Pani company reference Saturday..

The decision said no lawlessness, violation of rules or pecuniary benefit was proved in Saaf Pani project. PEPRA rules and laws were fully adhered to from the stage of assessment of survey to completion of project. What change was made in Saaf Pani project it was made with the approval and recommendations of the respective committees. It was aimed at further bringing improvement in the project and affording maximum benefit to the people. The respective committees ensured that the original cost of the project is not increased in the wake of the changes.

The court remarked in the decision one floor of plaza owned by Ali Imran, son in law of Shahbaz Sharif and Rabia Imran daughter of Shahbaz Sharif was rented out to Saaf Pani company. The third floor of Ali trade centre was given to Saaf Pani company through open bidding.
Prosecution has charged that the possession of the floor was never been taken and rent was paid in advance. But as per facts Saaf Pani company not only took possession but also the new administration with some changes sustained the agreement.

According to the decision this is very clear no lawlessness or violation of rules and pecuniary benefit came to fore in the project. Former CEO Wasim Ajmal did not misuse powers and no unnecessary benefit was given to the co-accused.

The court maintained the matter between Ali Imran company and Saaf Pani related to non fulfillment of rules and regulations of the agreement. |But the case between the two does not fall in the ambit of NAB laws.

The accused filed acquittal pleas in the light of NAB amendment ordinance. As per record Saaf Pani company reference does not fall in NAB offences.

According to NAB prosecutor NAB amendment ordinance can not influence the cases pending hearing. But in fact under section 4 of the second NAB amendment ordinance the cases pending hearing fall in the jurisdiction.

Therefore the court accepts the acquittal pleas of 16 accused including Qamar ul Islam Raja, Wasim Ajmal, Khalid Nadim and Zahoor Ahmad.\However court maintains two other accused, daughter and son in law of Shahbaz Sharif as proclaimed offender.