ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court on Monday disposed of a petition granting permission to Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) co-chairman and former President Asif Ali Zardari’s counsel, Farooq H. Naek, to cross-question Naqi Imam Malik, witness of National Accountability Bureau (NAB) in the case pertaining to former President’s assets.
The three-member bench headed by Justice Asif Saeed Khosa heard the case proceedings. Naek pleaded the court to allow him to cross examine NAB’s witness, which the court accepted and allowed Naek to question Malik.
During the proceedings, Farooq Naek told the bench that Naqi Malik has already recorded his statement as witness before the trial court and he cannot record testimony for the second time. The bench asked Naek that whether the proceedings of the case were still continuing as it was an old case?
He replied that the case proceedings were still continuing and requested the court to stop Naqi Malik from recording testimony. The bench asked NAB Prosecutor Akbar Tarrar that why the case have not been decided yet.
Tarrar replied that the case was delayed due to issuance of National Reconciliation Ordinance (NRO) and later Asif Ali Zardari enjoyed immunity as he was elected President. He said that NAB reopened the case on completion of his tenure as President.
According to details, Naki Imam Malik witness in assets case recorded his statement against Asif Ali Zardari in the NAB court. However, NAB Officials requested the trial court that it wanted to reproduce witness and to submit additional documents for filing of a Reference.
Assets case: SC allowed Zardari’s attorney to cross-examine NAB’s witness
