Top tycoons for fair treatment with Mir Shakil-ur-Rahman

KARACHI: Renowned industrialists and businessmen- Arif Habib, Aqeel Karim Dhedhi and Jahangir Siddiqui have demanded that Jang/ Geo Editor-in–Chief Mir Shakil-ur-Rahman should be given the same treatment that has been promised with business community. In a message, Arif Habib Group’s founder Arif Habib said that Mir Shakil-ur-Rahman, Jang Group and his family has contributed to the State and society for generations and is the largest media house of the country. Keeping that in mind, he should be given the same provisions and come under the same SOPs that were made and promised for business community. As such, the trial should continue and there is no need for physical custody especially if Mir Shakil-ur-Rahman is cooperating with NAB.

AKD Group’s founder and Chairman Aqeel Karim Dhedhi said that if NAB thinks there is merit in a 34-year-old property transaction, it should start a trial in court. But until Mir Shakil-ur-Rahman is proven guilty, he should not be arrested. This is not only against fundamental rights but will also smell of victimisation against editorial independence. In the recent past, the business community had complained to the NAB chairman of such highhandedness and he graciously listened and promised to address to restore confidence in the system.

Jahangir Siddiqui & Co Ltd founder Jahangir Siddiqui said that Mir Shakil-ur-Rahman should be allowed to defend himself as a free man. Everyone should be presumed innocent until proven guilty.