IHC seeks record of NAB’s appeals against Zardari

The NAB prosecutor seeks more time, the court adjourns hearing for an indefinite period

ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Thursday sought the record of the National Accountability Bureau (NAB)’s appeals against former president Asif Ali Zardari’s acquittal.

Chief Justice Athar Minallah and Justice Mian Gul Hasan Aurangzeb conducted the hearing while NAB prosecutor Jehanzeb Bharwana continued his arguments.



The anti-corruption watchdog has challenged Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Co-chairman’s acquittal in polo ground and Ursus tractors cases.

“The court had sought the required record on April 21, 2016. However, no record has been presented till today,” said Bharwana in the court today.

He said, “Asif Zardari was given a benefit of the NRO, which was later declared null and void by the Supreme Court. By that time, Zardari was the president. In 2014, his acquittal was challenged.”

According to Bharwana, “An acquittal reference cannot be entertained without recording the evidence.”

“Then why the accountability court heard the acquittal reference,” asked Justice Minallah.

The NAB prosecutor continued, “The accountability court maintained that to conduct the trial would be a waste of time,”

“Why the court made such a statement,” asked Justice Minallah again.

The NAB prosecutor sought more time in the reference against Zardari fixed by the court for hearing after three years following which the IHC adjourned the hearing for an indefinite period.



The court also sought details in Ursus tractors cases against Zardari, adjourning the cases for an indefinite period.

The NAB’s polo ground reference could not be heard on Thursday.