05-15-2010, 11:40 AM
LAHORE – Main accused in Bank of Punjab scam involving over Rs9 billion and former BoP president Hamesh Khan was brought to Pakistan here from the US on Friday evening by PIA flight, PK-724.
A NAB team escorted Hamesh Khan from Allama Iqbal International Airport and he was lodged in Chanba House. It is worth mentioning here that the accused had fled the country in June last year despite his name having been placed on the Exit Control List (ECL) by the Interior Ministry.
Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif was very interested in his return and for that purpose he had also asked the Federal Government to expedite his extradition.
At the airport, the accused was not brought out through routine exit point, but he was escorted by the investigators through Haj Lounge via Old Airport to avoid his encounter with media persons who had gathered in a large number outside the airport.
However, talking to the newsmen, counsel for the accused said Hamesh himself had requested the US government to produce him before Pakistani courts to let him face charges as he did not commit any offence.
He said his client was never involved in any type of corruption which would be proved before the courts, and he expected that Pakistani authorities, honouring their commitment given in the US, would provide him protection and would not torture on him.
Hamesh was under custody in Virginia, however, he was brought to Washington after Pakistan had formally requested US authorities for his extradition.
A NAB team escorted Hamesh Khan from Allama Iqbal International Airport and he was lodged in Chanba House. It is worth mentioning here that the accused had fled the country in June last year despite his name having been placed on the Exit Control List (ECL) by the Interior Ministry.
Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif was very interested in his return and for that purpose he had also asked the Federal Government to expedite his extradition.
At the airport, the accused was not brought out through routine exit point, but he was escorted by the investigators through Haj Lounge via Old Airport to avoid his encounter with media persons who had gathered in a large number outside the airport.
However, talking to the newsmen, counsel for the accused said Hamesh himself had requested the US government to produce him before Pakistani courts to let him face charges as he did not commit any offence.
He said his client was never involved in any type of corruption which would be proved before the courts, and he expected that Pakistani authorities, honouring their commitment given in the US, would provide him protection and would not torture on him.
Hamesh was under custody in Virginia, however, he was brought to Washington after Pakistan had formally requested US authorities for his extradition.