Paragon Housing scam: Saad Rafique's physical remand extended till January 19

Dunya News

Rafique was detained by the NAB on December 11 for investigation.

LAHORE (Dunya News) – The accountability court in Lahore on Saturday extended physical remand of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PMLN) leader and Member of the National Assembly (MNA) Khawaja Saad Rafique, and his brother Salman Rafique until January 19 in the Paragon Housing Society scam case.

Judge Syed Najam-ul-Hasan announced the judgement, whereas NAB prosecutor had asked for another extension in the 15-day physical remand of the Khwaja brothers.

The prosecutor told the court that the records of the Paragon Housing Society conclude that an outstanding amount of Rs2 billion was transfered to sons of Salman Rafique and Nafim Zia, 20 plots are owned by the Khwaja brothers in the society. 

Previously, they were produced before the court on December 22 when NAB prosecutor Waris Ali Jangua asked for their 15-day physical remand. 

Meanwhile, a heavy contingent of police was deployed around the court to prevent the party workers from disrupting law and order situation.

Earlier on December 11, they were detained by the accountability watchdog after the Lahore High Court rejected their bail plea.

The NAB had launched an investigation into the alleged scam in November last year after a number of victims staged protests and held a press conference at the Lahore Press Club against what they termed housing society’s fraud.

Recent political scenario, and detention of many political leaders in the country has pushed opposition parties closer, and in this regard, Rafique has hinted that his party may join ranks with the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) by saying that they would not topple the government but become a strong opposition for “legislative purposes”.

Moreover, he disclosed that his party had made a mistake in its tenure by “not modifying NAB laws”, and said they need to be changed.