Bilawal calls for calm as NAB arrests Zardari

Representative of PPP chairman says party awaiting detailed IHC decision before deciding on a plan of action

After Islamabad High Court (IHC)’s rejection of Asif Ali Zardari and Faryal Talpur's pre-arrest bail plea in the fake bank accounts case, Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari appealed supporters to remain peaceful.

A representative of the chairman said the was waiting for a detailed decision of the high court, adding that supporters should stay patient.

"We will announce action in light of court's detailed decision. Important decisions will also take place in meeting of central executive committee later in the day today," he added.

PPP leader Khursheed Shah said the current situation was deplorable, saying the party will not be weakened because of these "revengeful actions".

"Zardari has bravely faced similar cases before and will contest these atrocities of the 'puppet' government," he added.

Shazia Marri, speaking in the National Assembly, asked the speaker to issue production orders for Zardari, adding that NAB was harassing the PPP.

"What sort of democracy is this that our mouths are being sealed," she asked, stating that the speaker should be working in the role of custodian.

A two-member bench, comprising Justice Amir Farooq and Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kiyani, allowed the anti-graft watchdog to arrest the Zardari siblings.

Zardari is accused of illegal awarding of a water supply contract to the private company – M/S Harish & Company. The high court disposed off pre-arrest plea in the M/S Harish & Company case after NAB said it had not issued arrest warrants in the case.