Pak authorities summon Gilani's son for questioning

Islamabad, May 5: Pakistani authorities have summoned Prime Minister

's son Ali Musa to appear for questioning on May 12 in connection with an investigation into alleged irregularities in the import of a large amount of the controlled

Ephedrine.

Ali Musa had recorded his statement with investigators from the Anti-Narcotics Force on Apr 26 in Rawalpindi and denied the allegations against him. The ANF investigation team has summoned him again on May 12, media reports said. The premier's son cut short his honeymoon in South Africa and returned to Pakistan recently after being named as an accused in the case by the ANF. He has said he is ready to face trial in the case.

Ali Musa has told investigators that he does not know Tauqeer Ali Khan, an accused who introduced himself to ANF officials as the premier's son's personal secretary. He has denied allegations that he influenced officials of the Health Ministry to allocate Ephedrine quotas of 9,000 kg to two pharmaceutical companies.

Reports said the ANF could also summon former Health Minister Makhdoom Shahabuddin and lawmaker Mian Sattar following statements by some of the accused, who claimed they were involved in the scam. Ali Musa has said he is innocent and had nothing to do with the scam that occurred in 2010. The premier's younger son contended there was no evidence against him.

The Supreme Court is examining allegations about out-of-turn quotas for importing Ephedrine being granted to two pharmaceutical companies by the Health Ministry, allegedly under the influence of Ali Musa. The premier has said his son has been framed in a baseless case and accused army officials working with ANF of exceeding their powers in investigating the matter.

PTI