ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s former president Asif Ali Zardari and his sister, Faryal Talpur, appeared before the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) on Monday in a Rs 35 billion money laundering and fake bank accounts case.
The two had their statements recorded before FIA additional DG Najaf Mirza. The former president and his sister were questioned for around 35 minutes and according to sources, Zardari avoided answering some questions, reported local Geo News.
Speaking to media personnel after his appearance at the agency’s Islamabad office, Zardari said, “Unfortunately the money laundering case was formed against me during former prime minister Nawaz Sharif’s tenure.”
Zardari and Talpur were accompanied by Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) leaders Syed Khursheed Shah, Sherry Rehman, Qamar Zaman Kaira, Aitzaz Ahsan, recorded their statements in the money laundering case at the agency’s headquarters in Islamabad today.
Zardari and his sister’s names are among 32 people being investigated by the FIA with regards to money laundering from fictitious accounts. In July, Zardari’s close aide and famous banker Hussain Lawai was arrested in connection with a multi-billion rupee scam for which the former president and his sister were listed as beneficiaries.
The FIA issued notices on Saturday for the two to appear at the agency’s headquarters in Islamabad. This was the fourth summon issued to the former president and his sister. Despite being summoned earlier, Zardari and Talpur failed to appear before the FIA’s joint investigation team probing the multi-billion money laundering scam.
The FIA has been directed to submit a comprehensive report to the Supreme Court in connection with the ongoing probe by Tuesday.
On August 17, non-bailable arrest warrants for Zardari among others were issued by a local banking court in Karachi. The notices ordered for the suspects to be arrested and presented before the court by September 4.
On August 18, however, the Islamabad High Court (IHC) approved the former president’s petition for protective bail in the case.
Zardari had filed the petition in the IHC through his counsels Aitzaz Ahsan and Latif Khosa.
Zardari, Talpur appear before FIA in Islamabad
Zardari, Talpur appear before FIA in Islamabad
- Despite being summoned earlier, former President Asif Ali Zardari and his sister Faryal Talpur failed to appear before the FIA’s joint investigation team probing a multi-billion rupee money laundering scam
- FIA has been directed to submit a comprehensive report before the Supreme Court in connection with the ongoing probe by Tuesday
Pakistan Airports Authority reports ‘historic’ twin-engine aircraft landing in Lahore
- Twin-engine aircraft are usually larger, heavier and require better airport infrastructure, navigation systems to land
- Pakistan Airports Authority says landing reflects its commitment to enhance aviation sector, strengthen infrastructure
ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) announced on Saturday that the New General Aviation Aerodrome achieved a significant milestone when it handled the landing of a twin-engine aircraft.
A twin-engine aircraft has two engines that provide it redundancy and increased performance compared to single-engine counterparts. These aircraft range from small twin-engine propeller planes to large commercial jetliners. The presence of multiple engines enhances safety by allowing the aircraft to continue flying in the event of an engine failure.
However, twin-engine aircraft are usually larger, heavier and more complex than single-engine planes. They require advanced airport infrastructure such as better runways, navigation systems and air traffic coordination.
“The New General Aviation Aerodrome, Lahore achieved another significant operational milestone today with the successful landing of a twin-engine aircraft, following the recent arrival of a single-engine aircraft,” the PAA said in a statement.
It said the flight was also boarded by Air Vice Marshal Zeeshan Saeed, the director general of the PAA. The move reflected “strong institutional confidence” in the aerodrome’s safety standards, operational capability, and overall readiness, it added.
“The landing was conducted with exceptional precision and professionalism, demonstrating the aerodrome’s robust operational framework, technical preparedness, and effective airside coordination in accordance with contemporary aviation requirements,” the PAA said.
It said the landing represented a “major advancement” in Pakistan’s general aviation sector and underscores the PAA’s commitment to enhancing regional aviation capacity, strengthening infrastructure and promoting excellence in aviation development.
