An accountability court in Islamabad granted a six-day physical remand of former federal minister Fawad Chaudhry on Saturday pertaining to an alleged case of irregularities in the Jhelum to Pind Dadan Khan dual carriageway project.
The hearing was presided over by Judge Muhammad Bashir with NAB Prosecutor Irfan Bhola and Investigating Officer Sohail Arif and Fawad’s counsel, Faisal Fareed Chaudhry in attendance.
The NAB prosecutor argued that a 14-day remand was requested during the last hearing but 10 days were given. He said Fawad is under interrogation and is in the process of divulging details related to the case.
He added that the contractor of the project has been summoned on January 2. The court then adjourned the hearing till January 5.
Previously on December 20, the court granted NAB a 10-day physical remand of Fawad in a corruption case. NAB officials presented him before Judge Bashir after acquiring his custody from Adiala Jail, where he was incarcerated.
The NAB prosecutor told the court that on November 10, 2023, the inquiry of the project was started, but Fawad refused to be included in the investigation.
He further said Fawad, as a federal minister, “misused his influence” to have the PC-1of the project prepared. The prosecutor also accused Fawad of charging a commission from the contractor of the project.
However, the judge only approved 10 days.
