Accountability drive: Asif Ali Zardari turn now?

Pakistan

Accountability drive: Asif Ali Zardari turn now?

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(WebDesk/DunyaNews) - Accountability drive against politicians has reached to a next level. Apparently, it seems that now cases against PPP Co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari have gained momentum. This happened particularly after Nawaz Sharif was given a sentence of ten years in jail and was handed with a fine of £8 million. His daughter Maryam Nawaz was rewarded with seven years in jail and a fine of £2 million was imposed on her.

Also read: Nawaz Sharif sentenced to 10 years in jail, Maryam 7 years in Avenfield reference

National Accountability Bureau and Federal Investigation Agency now seems to be more active in Sindh, setting aside the notion that they has soft corner for PPP. Before verdict against Nawaz Sharif NAB, FIA, and other institutions remained inactive. Now they are briskly acting upon them as if now is the suitable time.

Nabbing Zardari’s partners

Contemporary case against Asif Ali Zardari, Faryal Talpur and their associates is of money laundering in which they are convicted of sending Rs35 billion abroad through a fake accounts. Hussain Lawai, Chairman of Central Depository Company (CDC) and Vice Chairman of Summit Bank, has been barred from travelling abroad. Lawai along with his partners have been accused of opening 29 fake accounts in Summit and United Banks and then transferring money to Dubai. There are seven people on whose names these accounts were operating.

Also read: Fake Accounts Case: SC orders to place Zardari, Faryal Talpur, others  names on ECL

Red Warrant of Anwar Majeed, another close friend of Asif Zardar, has been issued. He is the owner of Omni Group, the group which maintained these accounts.

Asif Ali Zardari and Faryal Talpur on ECL

The name of former president Asif Ali Zardari and his sister Faryal Talpur has been included into Exit Control List (ECL) on the direction of Supreme Court, barring them from travelling abroad. Asif Zardari and Faryal Talpur have been called tomorrow in FIA office. They will have to present before the apex court too.

FIR copy by FIA that names former president, Asif Ali Zardari, and his sister in a fake account to launder Rs35 billion. Source: Arab News

The reaction from the side of PPP was contrasting. “Asif Ali Zardari has also been maligned in the past. I am really not surprised to see his name in the FIR,” Farhatullah Babar, former president’s spokesperson, told Arab News. Many other leaders of PPP are of the view that the adventure against Zardari and his aides can produce unfavourable results for the party in the coming general elections.

PTI, killing two birds with one stone

PTI has already said now it is the turn of Zardari to face accountability. Imran Khan in multiple public gatherings including in Shahdadkot jalsa on July 9 has termed Zardari, the head of one of the most corrupt mafias of Sindh. He including senior leaders of PTI are of the view that now it is the turn of Zardari and his allies.

Accountability across the board

Accountability is one of the strongest pillars of sustainable democracy. It should be ensured that it is being implemented across the board. Nawaz Sharif and Asif Ali Zardari have been on the most extraordinary and the most power posts, asking them for anything they did during their reign is the right of the public and public institutions. At last, it is justice which should prevail everywhere.

Written by: Junaid Ali Malik