AC defers indictment of Agha Siraj Durrani in assets case

KARACHI: An accountability court on Monday deferred indictment of Speaker Sindh Assembly Agha Siraj Durrani in a case pertaining to possessing assets beyond known sources of income.

The Sindh Assembly Speaker along with co-accused appeared before the court for the hearing, However, three nominated accused failed to show up, seeking exemption from the court appearance due to the coronavirus outbreak.

Later, the court adjourned the hearing of the case till 11th August.

Durrani appeared in the accountability court after more than three weeks. During his previous appearance on 1st July, the investigating officer submitted a report on two absconding suspects.

National Accountability Bureau (NAB) ordered an inquiry on charges of corruption against the Sindh Assembly speaker. NAB prosecution named 20 persons including Durrani as accused in the reference after an inquiry, alleging they were involved in corruption worth Rs1.6 billion.

NAB Karachi had arrested Durrani from a hotel in Islamabad in February this year. The speaker has also been accused of misusing his authority, approving illegal appointments and embezzling funds.

Durrani’s wife, three daughters and son have been named in the case as well. On March 31, the court allowed them an exemption from attending case hearings due to the coronavirus outbreak.