Narowal Sports Complex scam: Ahsan Iqbal’s remand extended till Feb 28

RAWALPINDI (92 News) – The accountability court extended the judicial remand of former interior minister Ahsan Iqbal till February 28. Former prime minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi also appeared in court along with Ahsan Iqbal. Talking to the media after the hearing, Ahsan Iqbal said that the case is joke with him as well as violation of the constitution. “I offer the NAB to strike a plea bargain with me otherwise I will file a defamation suit against it,” he said. Earlier on Feb 3, the Islamabad High Court (IHC) had issued notices to the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) on bail pleas of Pakistan Muslim League-N (PML-N) leaders Shahid Khaqan Abbasi and Ahsan Iqbal. IHC Chief Justice Athar Minallah heard the bail pleas of Ahsan Iqbal and Khaqan Abbasi. The court has sought reply from bureau on bail pleas of them. The IHC adjourned the hearing on 10 cases regarding bails of PML-N seniors for a week. The court directed NAB t submit reply till February 10. Khaqan Abbasi had moved the IHC for bail in the LNG scandal. In the petition, he contended that the NAB is taking action against them on political basis. He appealed to court to release him on the bail till completion of the trial. PML-N leader Ahsan Iqbal has moved the Islamabad High Court (IHC) for bail in the Narowal Sport Complex case. In the petition, Ahsan Iqbal contended that he did not face the allegation of bribe or illegal benefit. “I have never refused to appear before the NAB. I should be granted bail till the case verdict,” he said. Ahsan Iqbal stated that the NAB arrested him when he joined investigation on December 19. “I face the allegation that Narowal Sport Complex was a provincial matter, but it was constructed through the budget given by the federal government,” he said. In May 2018, the National Accountability Bureau had initiated probe against then minister for planning Ahsan Iqbal for his alleged involvement in irregularities committed in the sports city project.