A Joint Investigation Team (JIT) formed to investigate this case submitted evidence, to the Supreme Court (SC) recently about the black money accumulated from kickbacks, commissions and bribes and the “transaction three” how money was laundered. Crying foul about being falsely implicated in this case Zardari and the PPP have not been able to refute the cut and dried allegations clearly showing many transactions that Bilawal House expenses, travel, etc, even dog food were being met from these accounts. Evena solid “Ayyan Ali” connection exists about expenses with the Bilawal House accounts. After having let the “poor waif” go abroad, the judicial authorities are now asking about her whereabouts. They should have learnt lessons from the Hussain Haqqani judicial exit facilitated by the former CJ Iftikhar Chaudhry on his Haqqani’s solemn view to return. To the guilty such vows have no value, they are only means to an end to avoid serving jail terms.
An application seeking disqualification of Asif Zardarias a member of Parliament was filed on grounds that hiding assets is violation of Article 62 (1) (f) of the Constitution of Pakistan because his owning an apartment in New York was not declared to the Election Commission of Pakistan. The documents made public pertain to thus property located at 524 East 72 Street, Apartment 37F, New York 10021, along with the latest property tax bills in the name of Asif Zardari. What earthly reason can anyone have for not declaring truthful details as required under law unless there is something to hide? Seema Boesky who wrote a column in 2008 detailing her meetings with Benazir Bhutto and Zardari believed the “penthouse” apartment was jinxed, anyone buying it would die either before or after the purchase.
Not surprisingly in all the cases against PPP and PML(N) leaders the common refrain is the “untouchable” Malik Riaz. The very dangerous unholy nexus that emerges is the connection with the then senior military hierarchy led by Ashfaque Pervez Kiyani. That is why two successive corrupt govts from 2008 got away with loot and murder. While there are good chances of more political associates being found guilty and serving jail terms are we going to condone “khaki” connection, particularly about one particular individual,is open and shut? That would undercut the credibility of any conviction for corruption. Unfortunately there are also black sheep in the PTI, Imran Khan may need them politically but the fact remains there are certified crooks around him. What purpose do they fulfil for him, they were liars 25 years ago and remain blatant liars today? To avoid the label of “selective accountability” Imran Khan must get rid of them, starting with the “Johnny-come-latelies”, those “nouveau” loyalists who excel in serving every regime.
We should not have any illusions that the expensive, highly abusive and provocative campaign targetting NAB, the judiciary and the Army in the electronic, print and social media is being sustained by corruption’s illegal money. Why do you think some in the media change sides so often? The rumours about Zardari’s impending arrest might have triggered his usual self-defence mechanism where ambiguous and cryptic responses to journalists’ questions is the norm.
The inflammatory tone of his recent public speeches will, he believes, serve to stir up public outrage and unrest should the inevitable happen. Recently while addressing a public meeting Asif Zardari questioned how can someone, “who has a service tenure of just three years” (meaning the COAS Pakistan Army) reserve the right to make decisions for the nation. He said “there have been 900,000 cases pending in courts, you should look into those. You have no future, how can you decide about the future of things?”Asif Zardari, suggest you go down and have a look at the Army List. Things have changed drastically after Gen Raheel Sharif took over from Ashfaq Kayani in 2013, even if you were to last out Gen Bajwa, which in the face of evidence he is determined you will not, there will be others. Lt Gens, Maj Gens, Brigadiers, Cols, Lt Cols, Majors, Captains, Lieutenants and Second Lieutenants areall patiently waiting in line for their possible stint on merit for a three years COAS tenure.
