KARACHI, 24 May — Former Pakistan Navy chief Admiral Mansurul Haq was extradited from the United States yesterday to stand trial on charges of corruption in defense deals. Mansur arrived from New York in the eastern city of Lahore amid strict security late yesterday, security offcials said adding he would be produced before an anti-corruption court for remand today.
Mansur is accused of receiving millions of dollars in kickbacks on defense deals during his tenure as navy chief from 1994 to 1997.
He was arrested in the United States last month on Pakistan’s request and a US court later allowed his extradition.
Mansur was sacked in mid-1997 by former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, who was deposed in an October 1999 coup.
The NAB spokesman said Mansur was allegedly involved in cases of corruption and kickbacks amounting to $3.36 million in the purchase of defense equipment and French submarines for the Pakistani Navy.
The navy wants Mansur tried in camera because it fears that revelations of corruption would have a demoralizing effect on the armed forces.
The anti-corruption bureau revived the charges against Mansur amid criticism the regime was not extending the accountability process to the top levels of the armed forces.
The extradition of such a senior Pakistani official is the first by the US since the military government launched a tough anti-corruption drive.
