BOK, BTAP, Malam Jabba scams: High Court directs to submit report

Humayun Khan

PESHAWAR: The divisional bench of Peshawar High Court comprising of Justice Rooh-ul-Amin and Justice Arshad Ali directed National Accountability Bureau to submit reports regarding Bank of Khyber, Billion Trees Afforestation Project (BTAP) and Mala Jabba scams on next hearing fixed on 15 March, on Wednesday.
During hearing Deputy Prosecutor NAB Azeem Dad and Prosecutor NAB along with forestry’s officials appeared before court while counsel for petitioner Ali Durrani Advocate was also present at PHC.
PHC directed NAB to inquire regarding existing sapling planted under BTAP and directed to also inquire about how many are burnt and who much were destroyed by people. PHC also observed that how can land was transferred at Malam Jabba and whom while directed that why Nab inquiring Malam Jabba scam.
Deputy Prosecutor Azeem Dad informed that NAB is preparing report in this regard and requested for more time to prepare submission before court on next hearing. On this Justice Rooh-ul-Amin remarked that NAB did not able to submit one report because the court is hearing the case since October.
Deputy Prosecutor Azeem Dad informed that there is contradiction between NAB and Forestry reports while added that total five thousands 600 spots are identified for BTAP in 27 districts which is time consuming process.
During hearing Justice Rooh-ul-Amin remarked that set-aside the contradiction in reports but submit the report and added that we know limits and causes of contradictions in the report. He also directed to inquire regarding numbering of Unclips (lachi) trees in Malakand division mountains.
The counsel for petitioner Ali Durrani Advocate informed that despite water shortage Unclips trees are planted which will consume more water can led to further intensity of shortage.
Justice Rooh-ul-Amin directed NAB’s prosecutor to grant 9 nine district to each Investigation Officer to conduct inquiry regarding BTAP in 27 districts which will led smooth conclusion of the matter.
During hearing PHC directed to submit report regarding Malam Jabba scam despite the dispute among different department and observed that court did not ordered closure of the inquiry but Nab has closed down by grounding court’s decision.