Zardari submits surety for interim bail

KARACHI: Former president Asif Ali Zardari, who is nominated in a money laundering case, submitted the surety of Rs2 million for interim bail on Saturday. Zardari's lawyer along with the guarantor were also present.

The guarantor, Ashiq Hussain, is a resident of Shaheed Benazirabad. Zardari submitted the personal bond and Hussain signed it.

Zardari later spoke to media personnel outside the court premises. When asked why he came by car rather than a helicopter considering it's economical, Zardari replied that he had heard the fare was only Rs50 to Rs55 but he did not have the permission yet. He added that a dialogue for permission was under way.

Regarding the surprise visits by Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) to hospitals, Zardari said that in a country where CJP conducts raids, what can anyone say?

The former president also said that there were around 5,000 or five-million other cases pending in the Supreme Court (SC) and resolving them should be made a priority too.

Regarding the presidential elections, Zardari said that Pakistan Peoples Party will not withdraw Aitzaz Ahsan from the elections and that Maulana Fazlur Rehman can withdraw if he wants.

Money laundering case: Court sends Lawai, Taha Raza to jail on judicial remand

Bail granted

The banking court approved the interim bail before arrest of Zain Malik, also an accused in the money laundering case. Malik submitted a surety of Rs1 million.

Previously, Zain Malik challenged the arrest orders on which the court issued a notice to Federal Investigation Agency (FIA). Malik's lawyer, Azhar Siddiqui, said that Malik had appeared before FIA in personal capacity but despite his cooperation, a challan was issued against his name. He added that a warrant for Malik was issued which he argued should be suspended. The court said that a warrant cannot be suspended but a notice regarding the plea could be issued to FIA.

FIA in its report has termed Malik a fugitive. Siddiqui said that this act by FIA was wrong as his client came from abroad to record his statement. The court replied that Malik could request a protection bail or get the warrant suspended from Islamabad High Court, adding that if Siddiqui was not filing for a protective bail then the court would take Malik into custody. The court directed FIA to submit a reply after which Malik filed the interim bail plea.