Ahsan Iqbal sent on 14-day judicial remand

Accountability court rejects NAB plea seeking extension in physical remand of PML-N leader

ISLAMABAD: An accountability court on Monday sent Ahsan Iqbal on a 14-day judicial remand.

The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader is under National Accountability Bureau (NAB) investigation pertaining to Narowal Sports City project.

During the hearing, an anti-graft watchdog prosecutor sought extension in the physical remand for Iqbal who was arrested on December 23.

Observing that Iqbal was already in physical remand from almost a month, the court questioned whether NAB wanted a 90-day extension.

NAB prosceutor informed the bench that relevant records have been procured and witnesses’ statements also taken but bank statements were pending. “Hence we are seeking an extension,” he added.

The accountability court rejected NAB plea for extension and sent Iqbal on a 14-day judicial remand. The bench also granted Iqbal permission to meet family and receive home-cooked food.

The next hearing is fixed for February 7.

In an earlier hearing, the accountability court had directed NAB to complete its investigation and warned that the bench would not allow further extension in physical remand.

Judge Azam Khan had noted that it was "not difficult to get information from banks as everything is online now.”

Court extends Ahsan Iqbal’s physical remand till Jan 20

Media talk

Speaking to the media outside the court, the former interior minister criticised the incumbent government of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).

“How can a man who has collected charity all his life manage economy?” he asked. "Poverty and inflation levels are rising in the country. Flour prices have risen to Rs70 per kg. There is a wheat crisis, there is unemployment.”