Illegal allotment: NAB closes inquiry against Qaim Ali Shah

KARACHI (92 News) – The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) on Tuesday closed its inquiry against former Sindh chief minister Qaim Ali Shah over his alleged involvement in the illegal allotment of land in the Malir riverbed. It is noteworthy that the NAB was inquiring against the former chief minister regarding illegal allotment of 370 acre in Malir riverbed during 2011-2012 for the construction of housing societies in Karachi. The corruption watchdog body presented the report before the Sindh High Court (SHC). Former chief minister Qaim Ali Shah appeared before the high court bench today for the case hearing. Meanwhile, the SHC dismissed an inquiry against Qaim Ali Shah. The NAB prosecutor informed the bench that the accountability bureau didn’t found evidence against Qaim Ali Shah as the allotment order of the land was cancelled. He said the bureau has ended up the inquiry and will not further proceed. During the hearing, the justice remarked that NAB should complete its investigation first and then arrest people. The court disposed of Shah’s petition and ordered for the surety amount he paid for bail to be returned to him. Earlier, the IHC granted pre-arrest bail to Sindh chief minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah till April 8 in the fake accounts case.

The court ordered him to furnish surety bonds worth Rs one million. An IHC division bench comprising Justice Aamer Farooq and Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani granted him the bail.

In his petition, the former Sindh chief minister had contended that the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) had summoned him on Wednesday, March 27 and he fears that he may be arrested upon his appearance. The petition further stated that Shah is 85-year-old and is entitled to pre-arrest bail due to his age. During preliminary arguments, Shah’s counsel told the court that NAB had summoned the ex-CM in connection with an investigation into Thatta Sugar Mills and Dadu Sugar Mills.