Kohistan scandal: Two more accused handed over to NAB on physical remand

PESHAWAR: The Accountability Court on Tuesday handed over two accused to the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) in the Kohistan mega corruption scandal on eight-day physical remand.

The two accused named Fazal Rahim and Duraj were produced before the court. During the hearing, the NAB requested a 14-day physical remand for both the accused. However, the court granted an 8-day remand for Fazal Rahim and a 5-day remand for Duraj.

NAB Deputy Prosecutor General Muhammad Ali informed the court that the accused were arrested in connection with the Kohistan mega scandal due to suspicious bank transactions. In addition to these transactions, illegal assets linked to Fazal Rahim were also unearthed. Fazal Rahim was arrested on July 19 in Kohistan and further investigation was required.

The court approved NAB’s request and handed both the accused over to the anti-corruption watchdog on physical remand. According to NAB sources, over Rs40 billion had been embezzled in the Kohistan scandal. So far, eight accused have been arrested.

The NAB has recovered assets worth Rs25 billion, including luxurious houses, valuable vehicles, and flats located across different parts of the country. 

In total, 77 high-value vehicles have been seized, Rs1 billion in cash recovered, and Rs5 billion frozen in bank accounts. The NAB said that further arrests were expected in this case.

Meanwhile, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders Azam Swati and Jabran have obtained relief from the Peshawar High Court, which has directed them to cooperate with NAB investigations and has restrained NAB from arresting them.