Web Desk
The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) has launched a new inquiry into PTI President Chaudhry Parvez Elahi for his alleged involvement in embezzlement related to development projects in Gujrat and Mandi Bahauddin.
The investigation focuses on Mr. Elahi’s purported role in illicit financial gains through his close associate, former secretary of the Punjab Assembly and ex-principal secretary to the Chief Minister, Muhammad Khan Bhatti, as well as former XEN Rana Iqbal. These alleged financial irregularities are linked to several development projects initiated during Mr. Elahi’s tenure as the chief minister.
Currently, Mr. Elahi is in judicial remand for 14 days in connection with the Punjab Assembly’s illegal recruitment case, which was filed by the Anti-Corruption Establishment (ACE).
According to NAB reports, a network operated to facilitate kickbacks in the process of generating and awarding development projects in Gujrat and Mandi Bahauddin under the supervision of Muhammad Khan Bhatti and Rana Iqbal. Many of these projects remain unfinished despite the full payment of contracts. Additionally, it is alleged that the former chief minister issued direct orders to the C&W Department, disregarding the code of official conduct, for the expedited approval of 184 schemes.
The NAB investigation team is also examining the involvement of certain members of Mr. Elahi’s family, former provincial minister Ali Afzal Sahi, and others in relation to these matters.
In a previous statement, Parvez Elahi expressed his readiness to face additional cases but affirmed his loyalty to PTI Chief Imran Khan. He emphasized his support for the armed forces and distanced himself from those who oppose them, while urging PTI workers to stand firm.
Illegal Appointments
In a separate development, a special court of anti-corruption granted the investigating officer an opportunity to produce the record in a case involving alleged illegal appointments made by former Chief Minister Parvez Elahi.
During a post-arrest bail hearing, an ACE prosecutor informed the court that the available record was incomplete due to the investigating officer’s official duty in Quetta.
Expressing displeasure, the judge noted the absence of the investigating officer in the previous hearing and commented on the need for a direct mechanism to summon records from Quetta.
The judge directed the prosecutor to act responsibly and ensure the production of the complete record on June 10.
In response, Mr. Elahi’s counsel, Rana Intizar Hussain, argued that the prosecution was misleading the court regarding the unavailability of the record, suggesting a deliberate attempt to delay the bail proceedings.
According to the ACE, Mr. Elahi allegedly made illegal appointments of twelve Grade-17 officers in the Punjab Assembly, favoring candidates from Gujrat and Mandi Bahauddin, which are the political constituencies of the Chaudhry family.
