Islamabad:The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Monday expressed displeasure with National Accountability Bureau (NAB) officials over allegations that its investigators raided a citizen’s house without a warrant, damaged property and took away valuables.
Justice Khadim Hussain Soomro, while hearing a petition filed by Muhammad Waseem Malik, directed NAB officials to satisfy the court at the next hearing, noting that the investigating officer had acknowledged visiting the house without a warrant and that CCTV footage was available.
During the hearing, the petitioner’s counsel and NAB prosecutor Rafi Maqsood appeared before the court.
The petitioner maintained that a NAB investigating officer had raided his house without a warrant and taken away valuable belongings, including gold. He said no investigation, inquiry or reference against him was pending with NAB.
He added that he had also submitted applications to the NAB chairman and director general but had received no response.
The NAB prosecutor said he would assist the court regarding the alleged removal of belongings, adding that there was no record of an application submitted by the petitioner.
Justice Soomro questioned whether an investigating officer could enter a house without a warrant and take away valuables, asking whether there was any legal restriction on a citizen seeking redress in such circumstances.
The prosecutor said there was no legal restriction on filing an application and undertook to guide the court regarding the officer’s alleged actions.
The judge observed that CCTV footage was available and that the investigating officer had admitted visiting the premises, reportedly explaining that there had been insufficient time to obtain a warrant.
The NAB prosecutor responded that a search warrant might have been available, although an arrest warrant might not have been obtained.
The court directed the petitioner to submit an application addressed to the NAB chairman and instructed the prosecutor to appear at the next hearing with proper preparation. The hearing was subsequently adjourned.