HRCC Demands Speedy Trial for Business Pundit Mahmood Azhar Chaudhry

Malawi Exclusive 

The Human Rights Consultative Committee (HRCC) has called on the state to expedite legal proceedings against business pundit Mahmood Azhar Chaudhry, who is facing several criminal allegations.

Speaking in Lilongwe on Saturday, HRCC Chairperson Robert Mkwezalamba said the delays in prosecuting the case were undermining public confidence in the justice system.

“Justice delayed is justice denied. The allegations leveled against Mr. Chaudhry are serious and the public deserves to see this matter concluded in court without unnecessary delays,” Mkwezalamba said.

Property transfers raise concern

Mkwezalamba further noted that there have been reports of Chaudhry being seen transferring some properties in recent weeks.

“We have received information that some properties linked to Mr. Chaudhry have been in the process of being transferred. This raises public concern about possible efforts to defeat the ends of justice or frustrate any potential court orders,” he said.

He called on relevant authorities including the Financial Intelligence Authority, the Registrar of Companies, and the Lands Department to monitor and account for any such transactions while the cases are pending.

Citizenship question remains

On the citizenship issue, Mkwezalamba said:

“More has been said regarding Mahmood Azhar Chaudhry’s citizenship. Ironically, no additional efforts from the state have been made to bring clarity and closure to that question.”

The HRCC chairperson urged government agencies responsible for prosecution and immigration to coordinate and ensure that both the criminal matters and the citizenship questions are addressed transparently and within the law.

“We are not calling for trial by media. We are calling for due process, speed, and transparency so that Malawians can trust that no one is above the law,” he said.

Background

According to statements made by HRCC and reports in circulation, the cases leveled against Chaudhry include allegations of:

Financial irregularities

Accusations relating to tax evasion and misrepresentation in business transactions

Fraud

Allegations of obtaining services and contracts through false pretenses

Immigration and documentation offenses

Questions raised around the validity and acquisition of his citizenship status

HRCC said it is following the matters to ensure due process is observed and that the courts are allowed to determine the merits of each case.Mkwezalamba made the calls on the basis that their initial intervention on the matter was misunderstood by chaudrys lawyer’s who attacked the leadership in the media!

Mkwezalamba said HRcC reached out and met agents of Chaudry who presented their side of the story and promised to provide evidence on their defence which unfortunately has not been shared a month after HrCC got wind of the matter.

“ it is importnat that Chaudrey lawyers must push the court to have themselves cleared as opposed to attacking personalities in the media who are simply following matters of accountability and fairness bordering around nationhood and possibilities of illegal dealing!”

This is what Mkwezalamba told our reporters in verbatim

“We were made to believe Chaudrey picked an issue with his business partner batwalala and instead of sorting their differences, the judicially and to an extent politicians and public officers are being entangled in the fight hence our desire to see this matter to its conclusion so that he clears his name and image and pursue any matter with his friends where necessary, outside our systems!” Mkwezalamba rhetorted!

Among others Mkwezalamba said they are still waiting for official letter from Pakistan government that designated Chaney as a consular staff and not a charge de affairs as alleged as well as letters authorizing him to use his home as a consular by the Pakistan government and Malawi government letters endorsing the same so that it can review its stand on the matter.

“ attacking us in the media will not help matters as we simply want the truth which wil be in chaidrys best interest to have his name cleared fairly as opposed to having him daily appearing in the media for bad things!” Stated Mkwezalamba.