Bilawal, Zardari record statements before NAB Rawalpindi

RAWALPINDI – Pakistan Peoples Party PPP chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and former president Asif Ali Zardari appeared before the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) on Wednesday to record their statements.

A press release by NAB said Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and Asif Ali Zardari were questioned by the combined investigation team (CIT) under the supervision of DG NAB Rawalpindi Irfan Mangi for approximately two hours on three cases.

NAB also handed a questionnaire on the three cases and informed that this should be submitted to the CIT within 10 days.

The press release added that NAB would legally evaluate responses given by the two today and those to the questionnaire and decide if they are to be summoned in these three cases again.

The press release also stated that this investigation was being done under the direct supervision of NAB chairman Justice (retd) Javed Iqbal.

NAB officials told the media that Bilawal and Zardari who were initially supposed to be questioned separately were made to sit in the same room.

Eleven NAB officers questioned Bilawal for 40 minutes on the Park Lane Estate Company, while the former president was questioned for approximately 50 minutes on the Zardari Group.

Upon arriving at the headquarters, Asif Ali Zardari's vehicle was allowed to enter the premises as he is the former president, while Bilawal's vehicle was stopped at the gate.

NAB officials wanted Bilawal to walk inside but he refused. Later, the PPP chairman's vehicle was allowed to enter the premises. Aseefa Bhutto Zardari accompanied her brother.

PPP workers from across the country reached the federal capital to express solidarity with the party chairman.

A large number of PPP workers were present outside the NAB headquarters, while several others were arrested by the police.