Picture From Fawad Hussain Chaudhry Official Facebook Page |
In a significant legal turn, an accountability court in Islamabad has granted a six-day physical remand for former federal minister Fawad Chaudhry. This decision is linked to an alleged case of irregularities concerning the Jhelum to Pind Dadan Khan dual carriageway project.
Presided over by Judge Muhammad Bashir, the hearing witnessed the presence of NAB Prosecutor Irfan Bhola, Investigating Officer Sohail Arif, and Fawad's counsel, Faisal Fareed Chaudhry.
During the proceedings, the NAB prosecutor highlighted that although a 14-day remand was initially sought, the court granted 10 days. He informed the court that Fawad is currently undergoing interrogation, actively disclosing details related to the case. Additionally, the contractor involved in the project has been summoned for questioning on January 2.
The court, acknowledging the ongoing investigations, decided to adjourn the hearing until January 5.
This development follows a prior grant of a 10-day physical remand for Fawad Chaudhry on December 20 in connection with a corruption case. NAB officials presented him before Judge Bashir after securing custody from Adiala Jail, where he was previously detained.
According to the NAB prosecutor, the inquiry into the project commenced on November 10, 2023. However, Fawad Chaudhry resisted participation in the investigation. The prosecutor alleged that, as a federal minister, Fawad "misused his influence" to facilitate the preparation of the project's PC-1 and charged a commission from the project's contractor.
While the NAB prosecutor sought a 14-day physical remand, the judge approved 10 days to allow the completion of the inquiry. Fawad Chaudhry, physical remand, Jhelum-Pind Dadan Khan dual carriageway, corruption case, accountability court