NAB's supplementary reference against Ishaq Dar approved for hearing

ISLAMABAD - An accountability court on Monday approved a supplementary reference against former finance minister Ishaq Dar in assets beyond means case.

The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) submitted the supplementary reference, which has been prepared by NAB Lahore.

At the last hearing, NAB deputy prosecutor informed the court that a supplementary reference would be submitted to the court by Monday.

Dar, a close aide of Pakistan Muslim League-N former president Nawaz Sharif, is facing charges of possessing assets disproportionate to known sources of income. A reference against him was filed by the NAB in light of the Panamagate verdict announced by the Supreme Court on July 28, 32017.

The former minister, who is staying in London from last year for his treatment, has been declared absconder by the court on no show up in the case hearings.

Media reports suggest that ten new witnesses and three new accused persons have been included in supplementary reference, which has been prepared by NAB Lahore.

On Feb 23, the court recorded the statement of the last prosecution witness, Inamul Haq, in the main case. Haq, who was project director of the Cooperative Housing Society, appeared before the court after summoned by court several times.

The witness presented the record of properties purchased by Dar and his family. After his statement, the court adjourned the hearing till Feb 26 (Monday).

Eligible for Senate Election

An appellate tribunal of the Lahore High Court on Saturday declared former finance minister eligible to take part in upcoming Senate elections.

Dar had filed nomination papers for a technocrat seat in the Senate after getting a ticket from the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N). However, the nomination papers were rejected by the returning officer, stating that Dar was not ‘honest’ and ‘truthful’ as per the Constitution.

On Thursday the embattled former minister challenged the rejection of his Senate election nomination at the appellate tribunal.

Subsequently, the tribunal has declared the decision of the ECP officer null and void.