Court withdraws former PM’s arrest warrants

Raja Pervez Ashraf assures accountability judge he will appear in person on April 19

LAHORE: An accountability court on Tuesday recalled a bailable arrest warrant for former prime minister Raja Pervez Ashraf after the court was assured that the PPP leader will appear before it on April 19.

The former PM’s counsel Iftikhar Shahid assured the court through an affidavit mentioning that his client had made him a phone call and instructed him that “he [Ashraf] will appear in person before the court on April 19 at the time of framing of charge”.

Furnishing surety bonds, Ashraf’s counsel also filed application for withdrawal of arrest warrant and acceptance of the bonds. This request was granted.



In the previous hearing, the court had dismissed application submitted by former PM’s counsel seeking exemption from personal attendance and had issued his arrest warrant.

The PM’s application said Ashraf had gone abroad to represent Pakistan on different global issues.

“The applicant is now in the UK for regular medical checkup and treatment of his wife. His client could not appear in person before the court owing to international commitments and engagements abroad,” said the application filed through his counsel.

The application also discussed security reservations and said security arrangements at the judicial complex were not sufficient.

In earlier proceedings, the former PM had appeared before the court requesting that he should be exempted from personal appearance owing to security issues. The judge then had directed him to submit an application in this regard.



Later, the court directed IGP Punjab to take appropriate measures for security of the former PM.

However, Ashraf did not turn up before court citing improper security arrangements and his counsel submitted an application for exemption from his personal appearance. But the court dismissed this application. The judge had fixed April 19 for framing charge on the accused.

Ashraf is facing multiple allegations – including that of illegal recruitment at Gujranwala Electric Power Company (Gepco) and receiving kickbacks and commission in Rental Power Project deals when he was federal minister for water and power in 2008.