LAHORE: Three criminal cases have been registered against Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Punjab Assembly member Saqib Chadhar after cheques worth a combined Rs270 million were allegedly dishonoured.
The cases were lodged on the complaint of a petitioner who claimed that three separate cheques issued by the provincial lawmaker were submitted to a bank within the stipulated time.
However, the cheques were reportedly returned unpaid because the bank account did not contain sufficient funds to cover the amounts mentioned on them.
In this regard, the total value of the dishonoured cheques stands at Rs270 million. The complainant subsequently approached the relevant police station seeking legal action after the payments could not be processed.
Police officials confirmed that the cases have been registered under the relevant legal provisions and that an investigation into the matter has been initiated.
The development has attracted considerable attention in political and legal circles, given the public office held by the accused lawmaker.
Meanwhile, law enforcement authorities have emphasized that the registration of a case does not constitute a determination of guilt and that all allegations will be examined through the legal process. So far, the government officials said the inquiry would focus on the circumstances surrounding the issuance of the cheques and the reasons for their alleged dishonour.
The registration of the three cases comes at a time when issues relating to financial transparency and accountability remain under public scrutiny.
Police have reasserted their commitment to conducting a fair and impartial investigation, adding that all parties involved will be given an opportunity to present their position as required under the law.
