IMF employee’s appointment as SBP governor is a big mistake: Asif Zardari

ISLAMABAD (92 News) – PPP co-chairman Asif Zardari has said that the appointment of an employee of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) as State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) governor is a big mistake. Talking to the media on Wednesday, he said that technocrats do not belong to anyone. He said that the PPP would launch an anti-government movement. “It seems PM Imran Khan would give himself an NRO,” he said. Meanwhile, the Islamabad High Court (IHC) has granted Asif Zardari pre-arrest bail till May 15. The NAB has summoned Asif Zardari on May 9. Justice Aamir Farooq and Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani heard the bail plea. The court granted him bail after furnishing surety bonds worth Rs 500,000 and sought a reply from the NAB. Meanwhile, the IHC has extended the interim bail of Sindh former chief minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah till May 21.

NAB summons former president Asif Zardari on May 9

Earlier on Tuesday, the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) has summoned former president Asif Ali Zardari on May 9. He has been directed to bring the relevant record with him. According to the NAB officials, the Sindh government had given the contract to Harish and Company for water supply from the Special Initiative Department illegally, but no work was done on the project. They said that Harish and Company was the front company to Park Lane Estate which led to a loss of Rs60 million to the national exchequer. The NAB has already filed a reference in the accountability bureau.

IHC extends interim bail of Asif Zardari, Faryal Talpur till May 15

On April 29, the Islamabad High Court (IHC) had extended the interim bail of PPP co-chairman Asif Zardari and his sister Frayal Talpur till May 15. Earlier, Accountability Court Judge Muhammad Bashir adjourned the fake accounts case till May 9. The court also ordered PPP co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari and his sister Frayal Talpur, who were present in court, to submit the surety bonds worth Rs two million each. The judge questioned about the four arrested accused, including Hussain Lawai. The NAB prosecutor informed the court that he had written two letters to the Sindh chief secretary for getting custody of the accused, but got no reply. He said that he had received the death certificate of Iqbal Arain and would submit it to court after confirmation. Meanwhile, the accused Sher Muhammad also agreed to become the approver. The applications of Kiran and Naureen to become approvers are also under consideration. Talking to the media on Monday, PPP co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari said that NAB and economy could not go side by side. To a question about the government completing five years, he said that the government would not be able to complete its tenure. He also expressed the resolve to go with JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rahman. On the other hand, the Islamabad High Court sought a reply from Interior Secretary and the DG FIA in a plea seeking removal of the names of Nimar Majeed and Ali Kamal Majeed from ECL. The court also appointed an officer to assist the court. The case has been adjourned till May 23.