ACE gets custody of former project director Zameer Abbasi for 4 more days in Yellow Line BRT case

A Karachi court on Saturday extended physical remand of Zameer Abbasi, former project director of Karachi Mobility Project, in Anti-Corruption Establishment (ACE) custody for four days in a case pertaining to alleged corruption of Rs8.5 billion in the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Yellow Line construction.

The ACE produced the suspect before the court on completion of his physical remand. After hearing arguments from both sides, the court granted the physical remand and directed ACE authorities to produce the accused again on July 1.

During the proceedings, the court asked the investigating officer whether the suspect’s statement had been made part of the record. The officer replied that the statement had not yet been included.

The court further questioned what additional steps were required in the investigation and why physical remand was necessary.

The investigating officer argued that due to the Muharram holidays, certain details could not be obtained, making further custody necessary.

During the hearing, Abbasi questioned why investigators were seeking details of his family’s bank accounts and other financial records, adding that his mobile phone and other belongings were already in the custody of the authorities.

The suspect also claimed that the consultant for the project was closely linked to a federal minister.

“Did I run away with cash?” Abbasi asked the court, while also questioning whether he would remain in custody if the investigation was not completed.