NAB summons UAE firm's MD in Khawaja Asif case.

Byline: Zulqernain Tahir

LAHORE -- The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) has summoned the managing director of a United Arab Emirates-based company in which parliamentary leader of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Khawaja Muhammad Asif worked for 14 years as a legal adviser, seeking the foreigner's statement for his (Asif's) prosecution in the court in the income beyond means case.

The anti-graft body arrested the former foreign minister in this case last month and he is currently under its custody at the Thokar Niazbaig office here on physical remand.

In a call-up notice to Elias Salloum, managing director of International Mechanical and Electrical Company (IMECO), Abu Dhabi, UAE, NAB said: 'During inquiry proceedings accused Khawaja Muhammad Asif has claimed that he was Iqama (work permit) holder in UAE from 2004 to 2018 and remained an employee of your company (IMECO) as legal advisor/consultant. Asif has further claimed Rs136million as salary income from said employment. He also submitted a photocopy letter issued by you showing your willingness to appear before any forum regarding his claim of employment.'

Seeks details of PML-N leader's Iqama agreement

NAB asked Mr Salloum to appear before a combined investigation team at its Lahore office on Jan 28. 'You are requested to bring the following record - M/S IMECO's incorporation/registration documents with UAE authorities, certified financial statements from 2004 to 2019 filed with the UAE authorities, attested copies of claimed job/Iqama agreement of Khawaja Asif from 2004 to 2017, including documents containing termination of Iqama and a brief job description and tasks accomplished by Asif while working with IMECO.'

NAB said as per the claimed Iqama agreement, the employee had to work for the company (IMECO) within the UAE and there would be one-day rest in a week. However, in this case the employee...