 ISLAMABAD — The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) has asked the authorities concerned to unfreeze and release all bank accounts and properties of Pakistan People's Party Co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari, which were frozen in connection with corruption cases against him. 'In the light of court orders, NAB has directed all authorities concerned, including the Sindh chief secretary, to unfreeze all bank accounts and properties of Mr Zardari, as cases against him have already been dropped under the National Reconciliation Ordinance,' NAB chairman Navaid Ahsan told reporters.
| Gomez is in the chips again ... |
He said the decision was taken a couple of days ago by NAB on the directive of an accountability court. The Sindh chief secretary has been given the task to unfreeze the bank accounts and properties wherever they existed. 'I cannot give you the exact details of Zardari's frozen bank accounts and properties,' he said, adding that the chief secretary was in a better position to say anything on the issue. A former federal minister, Faisal Saleh Hayat had alleged that the frozen cash money totalled about Rs1.77 billion.
The Rawalpindi accountability court had quashed seven corruption cases against Zardari. Under the NRO, all corruption cases against politicians and bureaucrats registered since the Oct 1999 takeover had been dismissed. The cases dropped against Zardari include illegal payments relating to the purchase of tractors and construction of a polo ground inside the Prime Minister's House, kickbacks and commissions in several government contracts. However, a money-laundering case is still pending against him in Switzerland.
| Betcha the Swissers fold within the month, particularly if Gomez agrees to pay a 'token' fine ... |
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