ISLAMABAD, 25 May — Former navy chief retired Adm. Mansurul Haq, facing graft charges, was remanded to the custody of the National Accountability Bureau for 14 days. Mansur, who was extradited by the United States to stand trial in Pakistan on corruption charges, appeared in an accountability yesterday.
The former navy chief has been charged with receiving kickbacks and commission in a defense deal. Mansur told the court he had no objection to his being remanded to the NAB custody for investigation.
He was the first navy chief to have been charged with receiving kickbacks in a defense deal. The court would take up the case today although the accused would be produced before it on June 7.
Following his arrival from Lahore here, Mansur was driven straight to the Accountability Court No. 1 in Rawalpindi under tight security.
Mansur, attired in a trouser and a T-shirt, looked perturbed. However, when asked by the accountability court judge, how he was feeling in Pakistan, he replied, “It is my home and I am at ease.”
The chief prosecutor, Raja Bashir, talking to reporters said the government will now seek the extradition of more accused from the United States. Mansur is alleged to have received $3.3 million as commission in a defense deal.
The former navy chief reportedly stashed away the money in an offshore company, M/s Titan, in Gibraltor.
Another company in the name of M/s Foraker was established and the share of kickbacks and commission of the former navy chief was transferred from M/s Titan to the account of M/s Foraker.
After the court proceedings yesterday, Mansur was lodged at the Sihala Rest House which the NAB has declared a police station.
The former navy chief told the court that he was not extradited by the United States. He came to Pakistan on his own will. Mansur was not handcuffed when brought to the court. The court proceedings lasted a few minutes.
