The ongoing legal proceedings surrounding the fake bank accounts cases against former president Asif Ali Zardari, his sister Faryal Talpur, and other individuals have been shifted back to Karachi, according to sources reported by ARY News on Monday.
Documents pertaining to these cases have been successfully transferred to the banking court in Karachi, marking a significant development in the complex legal saga.
Anwar Majeed, the head of the Omni Group – another party implicated in the cases – has taken a new legal step by filing a petition before the court. Majeed is seeking the removal of his name from the exit control list, expressing the urgent need to travel abroad for essential medical treatment. In his plea, Majeed implored the court to lift the travel restrictions imposed upon him.
The cases, which revolve around alleged fake bank accounts and involve accusations of money laundering and other related charges, were originally transferred to the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) court in Islamabad in November 2019. However, these cases have now been returned to Karachi for further proceedings.
A legal representative for the accused explained that the decision to transfer the cases back to Karachi was based on a directive from the Supreme Court, which directed that the matter be taken up by the trial court. The counsel further highlighted that their client, Anwar Majeed, is 82 years old and requires medical treatment overseas.
Former president Asif Ali Zardari, who is also the co-chairman of the People’s Party, along with his sister Faryal Talpur and several others, were initially implicated in the fake bank accounts case involving approximately Rs. four billion. The allegations include money laundering and other financial improprieties.
The accountability court had previously returned four references associated with these fake bank accounts cases to the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) due to jurisdictional concerns. With the recent transfer back to Karachi, the legal proceedings are expected to regain momentum in the banking court, shedding light on a high-profile case that has garnered significant attention in the country.
