Islamabad (HRNW)- Chief Justice of the Constitutional Court Justice Aminuddin Khan has remarked that all stakeholders share responsibility in the long-running EOBI corruption case, emphasizing the need to find a practical solution to a matter that has remained pending since 2013.
During the hearing of the Employees Old-Age Benefits Institution (EOBI) corruption case, the Chief Justice observed at the outset that the case has continued for more than a decade and questioned what solution could now be reached to resolve it.
Representing one of the parties, Barrister Ali Zafar argued that the matter originated through a suo motu notice regarding the purchase of 18 properties by EOBI at prices allegedly much higher than their market value. He said that, on court orders, the properties were later reassessed.
Ali Zafar told the court that a plot located on Mall Road, Lahore, was purchased from his client for Rs 790 million, while the valuation conducted later estimated its worth at Rs 540 million. He added that EOBI now wishes to retain some properties and return others, while also demanding the return of additional amounts paid.
Former EOBI Chairman Zafar Gondal also appeared before the court and requested that no decision be made in his absence, stating that his lawyer was not present at the hearing and that he wished to be heard before any ruling was issued.
Responding to the request, Chief Justice Aminuddin Khan remarked that the court was not biased and would ensure all parties were heard before reaching any decision. He noted that the circumstances and property values at the time the transactions took place were different from current market conditions.
Barrister Ali Zafar further informed the court that his client believes the current value of the Lahore plot has risen to approximately Rs 2.3 billion and remarked that his client would be pleased if the property were returned.
At the conclusion of the hearing, the court directed all parties to submit workable proposals for resolving the dispute by the next hearing and announced that further proceedings would take place after the summer vacations.
HRNW relies on reader support to continue delivering accurate, timely, and independent news coverage. If you would like to support our work, please consider making a donation.
Donate Here: HRNW Donation Page
