NAB lodges another reference in fake accounts case

The National Accountability Bureau on Monday filed another reference in the fake bank accounts case in the accountability court.

Reference was lodged against alleged embezzlement in the Sindh Bank funds of worth billions.

More than 20 accused including Bilal Shaikh, Tariq Ahsan and others have been named in the reference, over accusations of awarding loan of worth Rs.29 billion to OMNI group.

As per reference Rs.25 bn out of 29bn still have to be repaid. Loan of Rs. 1.184bn was granted to OMNI group via fake companies, while 1.84 billions of rupees

NAB is conducting investigations in pursuance of the Supreme Court’s verdict in the fake accounts case wherein it forwarded the joint investigation team (JIT) report with directions to investigate and file references.

Former president Asif Ali Zardari, chairman of the Pakistan People’s Party Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, his aunt Faryal Talpur, former chief minister Qaim Ali Shah, provincial minister Anwar Siyal and real estate tycoon Malik Riaz are among as many as 172 accused in the fake accounts case.

The former president Asif Ali Zardari, his sister Faryal Talpur are currently in the jail on judicial remand, while PPP stalwart’s close aides Hussain Lawai and Anwar Majeed are also in judicial custody.