SC bars UBL, Summit Bank, Sindh Bank presidents from flying abroad

The Federal Investigation Authority (FIA) on Saturday took Pakistan Stock Exchange chairman Mr. Hussain Lawai in to remand – former head of Summit Bank, Chairman Central Depository Company (CDC) and President Institute of Bankers Pakistan (IBP) amid allegations of laundering Rs. 35 billion of politicians, and businessmen by using illegal accounts.

According to latest media reports, Supreme Court of Pakistan, taking strict action against the presidents of United Bank Limited, Sindh Bank Limited and Summit Bank Limited has barred them from flying abroad as it directed authorities’ relevant authorities to include their names in the Exit Control List (ECL).

Names of Mr. Asif Ali Zardari, Faryal Talpur, the main beneficiaries involved in illegal bank transactions, were included in FIA's 'stop-list' which is a provisional list stopping suspects from flying abroad before they are formally placed on the Exit Control List.

The action was taken after Federal Investigation Authority (FIA) initiated probe in to the transactions carried out in 29 illegal bank accounts of the aforementioned banks. The report compiled by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) had raised red flags on certain transactions carried out to benefit some senior politicians and businessman.

According to the FIR by the FIA, the report mentions the list of beneficiaries and depositors of these accounts. The list includes Mr. Zain Malik of Bahria Town, Anwar Majeed and his brothers – business partner of Mr. Asif Ali Zardari, Mr. Asif Ali Zardari himself and his sister Faryal Talpur.

FIA, apart from them, have also booked six bank staffers including Naseer Abdullah Loota – Chairman at Summit Bank, Taha Raza – Unit Corporate Head – of Summit Bank believed to be the orchestrators of fraud.