Accountability court issues a bailable bench warrant for Zardari in Toshakhana reference.
ISLAMABAD: An accountability court issued bailable warrants for former president Asif Ali Zardari and began the method to possess Nawaz Sharif declared an absconder within the Toshakhana reference filed by the National Accountability Bureau, reported Geo News on Tuesday.
The court rejected the petition filed by the previous president seeking that he be excused from appearing face to face to attend the hearing.
The court, during today’s proceedings, remarked that it had been a criminal case and therefore the former president will need to appear before it.
To this, Farooq H Naek, counsel for the PPP co-chairman, told the court his client is extremely old and hence was at danger from the coronavirus pandemic.
“Asif Zardari doesn't have coronavirus,” replied the court to the lawyer’s concerns.
However, Naek further explained to the court that if the previous president showed up people will gather, and guaranteed the court that he was present on behalf of the PPP leader.
Upon hearing this, NAB Prosecutor General Sardar Muzafar Abbasi intervened and told the court that it had been the administration’s responsibility to regulate the people if they assembled in large numbers.
“No concession should tend, a non-bailable bench warrant should be issued against them,” Abbasi urged the court. He added that the court allowed former Yousuf Raza Gilani exemption from appearing before the court and taking advantage of that, his lawyer skipped today’s hearing.
Abbasi asked the court to finish the relief granted to Gilani, another accused within the case.
“Asif Ali Zardari was given bail on medical grounds by the supreme court,” Naek reminded the judge. He added that it had been not the primary time that cases were filed against his client.
“I am seeing cases filed against Asif Zardari for the last 20 years,” Naek told the court. He added that the warrants should be issued when the PPP leader doesn't appear before the court.
“Asif Ali Zardari will appear within the upcoming hearing,” Naek assured the court. While talking about his PPP colleague Gilani, Naek said the former prime minister had contracted coronavirus, adding that he’s able to submit an affidavit for him if the court allows.
Judge Asghar Ali, after hearing the arguments, told Naek that he will give an extended date so Zardari could appear before the court. He added that the court also will issue warrants for his client
Nawaz Sharif declared fugitive
During today’s hearing, the NAB also submitted the summons it intends to undergo the authorities within the UK for the arrest of former prime minister Nawaz Sharif.
“There are three accused within the case, the court has issued warrants for Nawaz Sharif. Nawaz Sharif is in Britain, warrants should be issued through the ministry,” the NAB prosecutor urged the court.
Judge Asghar Ali, while commenting on Nawaz Sharif, expressed his disappointment over a scarcity of action against the non-bailable warrant issued for the previous prime minister.
“Nawaz Sharif is deliberately not becoming a part of the court proceedings,” remarked the accountability court. Later, the court declared the previous prime minister a fugitive within the case and issued a billboard within the regard.
In the last hearing, the accountability court had issued a non-bailable bench warrant for PML-N supremo and former prime minister Nawaz Sharif within the Toshakhana reference.
Nawaz, former prime minister Yousuf Raza Gilani and former president Asif Ali Zardari were summoned to attend a hearing associated with the Toshakhana reference therein hearing.
However, the last hearing was only attended by Gilani and suspect Abdul Majid Ghani, while the others didn't appear. The court therein hearing had also accepted Zardari's application exempting him from appearing before the court.
The anti-corruption watchdog in its reference has alleged that Zardari and Nawaz received cars from former prime minister Gilani illegally.
Zardari had paid only 15% of the entire cost of the cars through fake accounts, consistent with NAB. He also received the cars as a present from Libya and therefore the UAE when he was president and used them for his personal use rather than depositing them within the treasury, alleged NAB.
The anti-graft body further alleges that Abdul Ghani Majeed, another accused in the case, purchased the vehicles through fake accounts whereas Anwar Majeed made quite Rs20 million through illegal transactions using the Ansari Sugar Mills accounts.
According to reports, Nawaz wasn't holding any position in 2008 but was given a vehicle with none justification. NAB says the leaders are charged with corruption under sub-sections 2, 4, 7, and 12 of Section 9 (A) of the NAB Ordinance.
The Toshakhana (gift depository) gift from any country to the top of the state remains the property of the govt unless sold at an open auction. Rules allow officials to retain gifts with a market price of but Rs10,000 without paying anything.
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