NAB summons Kh Asif tomorrow.

Byline: Zulqernain Tahir

LAHORE -- The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) has tightened the noose around another close confidant of former premier Nawaz Sharif -- Khawaja Muhammad Asif -- and opened a probe against him for 'illegally' establishing a housing project in his hometown Sialkot.

The NAB on Wednesday summoned Khawaja Asif for June 26, asking him to appear before a combined investigation team (CIT) at its provincial headquarters at Thokar Niaz Baig, Lahore, along with relevant record with regard to the affairs of the Kent View Housing Society, Sialkot.

In the notice to the senior PML-N leader, NAB said: 'Evidence collected so far prima facie reveals that you (Kh Asif) established a housing project, namely Kent View Housing Society Sialkot which has been operating illegally. You are required to submit a reply to the following queries - what are the sources and local amount of funds invested in the project by you, your family members (wife and son) and other partners/close relatives.'

Probe into 'irregularities' in housing scheme

The NAB said Mr Asif, in collusion with the management of the society, illegally sold plots in excess of the approved layout plan of 37 kanals. 'Khawaja Asif in connivance with the revenue authorities obtained relevant approvals despite the fact that the housing society in question was in illegal occupation of the state land.'

The NAB further observed that the former foreign minister had in collusion with the management of the society illegally occupied various pieces of land owned by individuals who never sold their land to the society.

The NAB is also holding investigations under section 8 (c) of the...