NAB won't probe Arsalan Iftikhar case, decides SC

A special bench of the Supreme Court announced verdict in Dr Arsalan Iftikhar case. Supreme Court on Thursday halted a probe by National Accountability Bureau (NAB) against the Chief Justice s son, who was accused of receiving over Rs342 million from a real estate tycoon to influence cases, and ordered formation of a separate commission to investigate the matter. A two-judge bench headed by Justice Jawwad Khawaja directed the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) to stop its investigation into the allegations against Dr Arsalan Iftikhar. The bench ordered formation of a commission headed by ex- Intelligence Bureau chief Shoaib Suddle to carry out a probe into the allegations. The court gave its ruling in response to a petition filed by Arsalan Iftikhar, who claimed the NAB was not conducting a free and fair investigation. The court said Suddle will have the status of a judicial officer and can use the government machinery for his probe. Suddle will also have the power to call witnesses and take the help of law enforcement agencies. The bench directed the NAB to hand over all its records of the case to Suddle. The commission was directed to submit a report on the issue in 30 days. In June, the apex court had directed the Attorney General to decide who would probe the allegations levelled against Arsalan Iftikhar by real estate tycoon Malik Riaz Hussain. The Attorney General had subsequently asked the NAB to conduct a probe into the matter. During the hearing of the case, real estate tycoon Malik Riaz Hussain s counsel Zahid Bukhari had argued that no proof was produced that showed NAB Chairman Fasih Bukhari was biased in the case of Arsalan Iftikhar. He said the investigation could not be transferred to any other body merely on the basis of allegations. In a statement submitted to the Supreme Court, the tycoon said his relatives extended favours and made cash payments totalling Rs 342.5 million to the Chief Justice s son. The tycoon further alleged that he was being blackmailed by Arsalan Iftikhar. The cash payments and expenses on hotels and luxury flats during visits to London and Monte Carlo by Arsalan Iftikhar came to a total of Rs 342.5 million, he said in a statement.