Court for early completion of investigations against Kh Asif

LAHORE – An accountability court on Tuesday directed the NAB for early completion of investigations against Pakistan Muslim League- Nawaz (PML-N) senior leader Khawaja Muhammad Asif in assets-beyond-means case. The court also extended judicial remand of Khawaja Asif till March 12 in the case.  Duty Judge Akmal Khan conducted the proceedings due to absence of the judge concerned. The jail authorities produced Khawaja Asif before the court on expiry of his judicial remand term, who got his attendance marked.

Khawaja Asif’s counsel requested the court to direct NAB authorities for early completion of investigation and filing of challan (charge-sheet).

At this, the court conceded the request and directed NAB authorities for early completion of investigations.

Subsequently, the court adjourned further proceedings till March 12 and also extended judicial remand of Khawaja Asif. The court directed jail authorities for producing him again on expiry of the remand term.

The NAB had launched investigations against the PML-N leader under Clause 4 of the NAB Ordinance 1999 and section 3 of the Anti-Money Laundering Act. It alleged that assets of Khawaja Asif increased substantially which did not correspond to his income. The bureau also stated that Khawaja Asif claimed to receive Rs 130 million from a UAE firm but he failed to present solid evidence in investigations. The bureau also alleged that Khawaja Asif was running a Benami company.