As the hearing went underway, the anti-graft watchdog presented the progress report into the Narowal sports city case before the court.

The NAB officials told the court that the investigation into the case against PML-N leader is being delayed due to the ongoing Covid-19 situation.

At which, the court asked why anti-graft watchdog has yet not filed sports complex reference against the former interior minister. NAB prosecutor explained that they will file reference after completing the investigation.

Ahsan Iqbal came to rostrum and said the anti-corruption watchdog is doing character assassination on media. The judge directed Ahsan Iqbal to give its reply on media outside, not in the court.

The court after directing NAB to file reference against Iqbal within 30 days, adjourned the hearing till June 26.

It is pertinent to mention here that Ahsan Iqbal had been released from Adiala Jail, after the Islamabad High Court had approved his bail.

Ahsan Iqbal is accused of using funds of the federal government and Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) for a sports city in Narowal.

NAB had announced to initiate a probe into alleged violation of rules in the construction of the National Sports City project – a day after its inauguration by the then President of Pakistan Mamnoon Hussain.

The PML-N leader talked to media afterwards and said incompetent and inept leaders are imposed on the country which has been left at the mercy of coronavirus.

He said, “Names of all responsible persons were mentioned in the sugar commission report but Prime Minister Imran Khan was not summoned before the commission. FIR was not lodged in sugar corruption to save the culprit.”

Ahsan Iqbal also demanded to conduct free and fair elections in the country.—NNI