KABUL minister Mohammad Siddiq Chakari, who is facing corruption and bribe charges, tried to meet President Hamid Karzai during his visit to Islamabad, officials said on Sunday.
The former minister has been accused of taking bribes from a foreign company during last year’s Hajj operation. The Attorney General Office has issued arrest warrants for Chakari, who is thought to be hiding in Britain.
The fugitive reportedly visited the hotel where President Karzai was to stay during his two-day trip to Islamabad, officials accompanying the president said. Chakari also met some ministers and journalists at the hotel.
“I have many things to share with you, but am busy right now. We will meet here again,” Chakari told reporters. He also met Burhanuddin Rabbani, the High Peace Council chairman.
Rabbani reportedly arranged Chakari’s meeting with Karzai, an official said on condition of anonymity. But government sources refused to confirm the meeting.
The Supreme Court of Afghanistan says it has completed initial investigations into Chakari’s case and a verdict will be handed down soon.
Chakari was blamed for accepting graft after an employee of the Ministry of Hajj was arrested at the Kabul airport while transferring $360,000 (nearly 16, 7 billion afghanis) to Saudi Arabia.
The detainee told interrogators that he was transferring the money in compliance with the ex-minister’s orders. The Attorney General Office has sought help from the Interpol in capturing Chakari.
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