ISLAMABAD:
The country’s top accountability watchdog told the Islamabad High Court (IHC) that former premier Imran Khan is not cooperating in its Toshakhana gift repository case investigation.
On Thursday, NAB Deputy Prosecutor General Sardar Muzaffar Abbasi told the court that Imran Khan has been sent a questionnaire and details of gifts he received from foreign dignitaries while prime minister, but he is deliberately avoiding the investigation.
IHC Chief Justice Aamer Farooq heard Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi’s petitions against NAB’s Toshakhana case inquiry.
Imran Khan petitioned the IHC against NAB’s Toshakhana inquiry on 30 March. On April 1, the former first lady asked the court to declare NAB’s February 16 and 17 notices unconstitutional.
She asked the court to prevent NAB from conducting an investigation until her application decided.
The IHC notified NAB of its Toshakhana case inquiry on 3 April.
Moreover, On Thursday, NAB informed the court that it has sent Toshakhana gift notices to all former cabinet members, not just Imran Khan. NAB Deputy Prosecutor General Sardar Muzaffar Abbasi informed the court that the PTI head was not complying with the inquiry.
IHC Chief Justice Aamer Farooq said this could have been avoided if the notices had been issued properly. The accused have the right to defend themselves, hence NAB must obey the law while issuing notices.
The chief judge requested that NAB give Imran and his wife a second notice after following all the requirements.
He wondered if NAB had evidence or just newspaper reporting. After ordering NAB to provide a written response within seven days, the court postponed until April 27.
On November 8, 2022, NAB began investigating Imran Khan for Toshakhana rule violations. A month after the ECP disqualified the PTI head as a lawmaker, NAB took action.
