MATIARI: Punjab Assembly Secretary Muhammad Khan Bhatti was arrested by law enforcement agencies, sources told. Sources privy to matter said he was taken into custody while he was travelling to Sindh High Court for protective bail with his legal advisor Amir Saeed Rawn. “On other hand, police raided Mr Bhatti’s residence, arrested his servant and took CCTV device with them”, sources added.

Bhatti is considered close confidante of former Punjab Chief Minister Parvez Elahi. Elahi said he was afraid that Bhatti might go missing. “Sindh CM Murad Ali Shah should take notice of unlawful arrest”, he added. He questioned what message was to be conveyed by arresting Punjab government official in Sindh.

Earlier, federal investigation agency’s anti money-laundering circle lodged cases against Bhatti and eight others for allegedly taking bribes to award high-ranking posts.

Case, while nominating sub divisional officer Rana Muhammad Iqbal and others stated that SDO had been bribing Bhatti for several years to maintain his post. “Several other officers work for Bhatti and dupe national exchequer to bribe him”, report added. PTI leader Moonis Elahi and former Punjab Chief Minister Afzal Sahi, report stated, accompanied Bhatti while receiving money.

Published in The Daily National Courier, February, 07 2023

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