Authorities tighten noose around Sindh corruption suspects

ISLAMABAD: Authorities have prepared the legal ground to investigate several key politicians, former government officials and influential businessmen accused of financial corruption and graft in Sindh, sources told Geo News on Thursday.

According to the sources, red warrants have been prepared for former provincial minister Syed Owais Muzaffar, former Karachi Municipal Corporation administrator Saqib Soomro, businessmen Anwar Majeed, and former Sindh Building Control Authority chief Manzoor Qadir Kaka, and others. The warrants have been prepared – but have not yet been issued – to bring the accused back to Pakistan for investigation.

Sources said that authorities have decided to also contact the Interpol to bring the suspects back to Pakistan so that they can be investigated for corruption charges.

The news comes a day after former petroleum minister and Sindh HEC chairman Dr Asim Hussain was picked up by investigation officials for interrogation regarding alleged money-laundering linked to some key political personalities in Sindh province.

Sources said Dr Asim has been transferred into the custody of Rangers personnel who are expected to present him in an anti-terrorism court later today.

Also read: Dr Asim Hussain transferred into Rangers custody

Dr Asim, considered a close aide of former president and Pakistan People's Party (PPP) Co-Chairman Asif Ali Zardari, was appointed as the federal minister for petroleum during the PPP government in 2008 during which he was accused of corruption in the LNG and LPG deals and indiscriminately issuing licenses for CNG stations.

So far, no investigative agency or law enforcement department has officially confirmed Dr Asim's arrest.