SHC seeks replies in BRT Yellow Line 'corruption' case

KARACHI: The Sindh High Court (SHC) on Monday issued notices to the investigating officer and the prosecutor on a bail application filed by former BRT Yellow Line project director Zamir Abbasi, who has been arrested in an alleged corruption case linked to the project.

Justice Mirran Muhammad Shah heard the petition. During the proceedings, Abbasi's counsel argued that the case had been registered on the basis of an administrative inquiry and maintained that the former project director's decisions were taken in accordance with government policy as well as the World Bank framework.

The lawyer told the court that the Sindh government had adopted a policy aimed at early completion of the project and that proposals relating to financial payments had been processed through official files and approvals. He further argued that no document or record had been recovered from Abbasi and said the provincial anti-corruption court had already formed a final opinion on the disputed contract and technical issues.

The defence also contended that, since the investigation had been completed, there was no justification for keeping the accused in physical custody. After hearing the arguments, the SHC issued notices to the investigating officer and the prosecutor for Aug 18.