The State Bank in a letter to the joint investigation team formed to probe the rape and murder of Zainab, confirmed that suspect Imran Ali had no commercial bank accounts.

“All commercial banks have informed that they have searched their databases and found no account of the accused against the said CNIC,” the letter read.

Announcing the findings of the central bank during a news conference on Friday, Punjab government spokesman Malik Ahmed Khan said allegations imposed by a television anchor were "fake and fabricated" and were issued without any consideration regarding consequences.

"The news presented by Dr Shahid Masood is absolutely fake and fabricated,” Malik Ahmed Khan said, adding that the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) had confirmed that no foreign currency commercial bank accounts of the accused were found.

The central bank had launched an inquiry after Dr Shahid Masood had alleged that Imran Ali, the main accused in the Zainab murder case, had dozens of bank accounts.

Malik further said that the apex court has taken suo moto and the case is currently subjudice,

While responding to a question regarding lawmakers named in relation to the child abuse issue in Kasur, Ali said that "those who faced character assassination" have a right to appear in court and clear their name

The State Bank earlier confirmed it had received a request from the joint investigation team (JIT) regarding reports by a private media house suggesting that the accused, Imran Ali Naqshbandi, held several bank accounts, including foreign currency accounts.

The central bank had begun collecting details from banks concerning the allegations and had assured the JIT of its full cooperation in the case.

Meanwhile, the JIT has also completed its probe into the alleged bank accounts of the suspect but found no bank account under his name and CNIC data.