The Supreme Court on Monday directed the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) to complete its investigation in the multi-billion scam of Employees' Old-Age Benefits Institution (EOBI) within ten days and submit a detailed report before the bench.
A three-judge bench comprising Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry, Justice Ijaz Ahmed Chaudhry and Justice Gulzar Ahmed initiated a Suo-Motu case in multi-billion scam of the EOBI.
The bench also directed the Secretary Interior to extend every possible cooperation to the FIA for completing investigation in the case.
The bench also directed the interior ministry to provide security to former Chairman Defense Housing Authority (DHA) Tariq Kamal and the journalist who uncovered the corruption in the EOBI.
During the course of proceeding, the Attorney General Munir A. Malik apprised to the bench that according to a report by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), the vehicles of EOBI had been used during the elections on which the Chairman EOBI was removed from his post.
Secretary EOBI informed the bench that in a boards meeting on June 11, 2013 it was decided that no property should be purchased without carrying out audit and lawful investigation.
He further stated that currently there was a total of Rs. 34.387 billion of investment by the EOBI adding that properties were also purchased during the Zaffar Gondals regime.
The Secretary further stated that the government had no funding in the EOBI and it works at its own.
The Chief Justice remarked that Rs 250 million had been spent to purchase a plot sizing 3 kanal 16 marlas.
Director Investment responded that the EOBI gave an advertisement for the purpose thus it was not un-lawful.
Director General FIA apprised to the bench that the agency had total 11 cases at its disposal and out of them investigation had started on two of them.
He further stated that as many as three culprits had been arrested by the FIA while two others were on bail involved in the scam.
The bench directed the FIA to complete its investigation within ten days and present a detailed report during the next date of hearing and adjourned the case till July 12.