KARACHI:The Sindh High Court (SHC) on Thursday directed the National Accountability Court (NAB) to submit progress report on the corruption inquiry against Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) leaders including Sohail Anwar Siyal, Jameel Ahmed Soomro and Zafar Siyal.
A two-member bench of the SHC, headed by, Justice Muhammad Iqbal Kalhoro, heard the bail plea of provincial minister Sohail Anwar Siyal. During the hearing, the court expressed annoyance over the absence of co-accused Jameel Ahmed Soomro.
The lawyer of Soomro told the court that his client is currently present in Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) for election campaign ahead of November 15 polls.
Justice Kalhoro remarked that some people are seemingly reluctant to appear before the court. “Jameel Soomro is enjoying in GB, but he does not appear in the hearing,” the court remarked. The lawyer claimed that Soomro had booked a seat for returning to appear before the court, but the flight was cancelled.
At which, the judge asked the lawyer to produce a copy of Soomro’s air ticket. The lawyer assured that a copy of the air ticket would be produced in next hearing. Justice Kalhoro approved his one-day exemption plea from personal appearance in the hearing.
The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) prosecutor told the court that the bureau has completed a corruption inquiry against Sohail Anwar Siyal and others. He said that the officials have forwarded the matter to NAB headquarters for further action.
The court sought a progress report on inquiries against Sohail Anwar Siyal, Jameel Ahmed Soomro, Zafar Siyal and it extended the bail of the PPP leaders till December 24.
Later, the court adjourned the hearing for till 24 December. Anwar Siyal and others are facing charges of their illegal allotment of lands and financial irregularities.