Pakistan

Indictment of Zardari’s postponed until July 14

Counsel Farooq Naek tells accountability his client cannot be indictment unless 'proper work’ is done

June 26, 2020

PPP co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari and others are being tried as they have been accused of extending loan and its misappropriation. PHOTO: AFP/FILE

ISLAMABAD:

An Accountably Court (AC) on Monday postponed the indictment of former president Asif Ali Zardari in Park Lane Reference till July 14 after his counsel filed a plea for delaying the indictment until “proper work” had been done.

At the outset of the proceedings, Farooq Naek, the counsel for Zardari counsel requested Judge Azam Khan, to stay the indictment, saying that his client could not be indicted unless there was “proper work”.

The judge to the lawyer that he was “filing the petition on the very day when everything is ready” and the accused was going to be charged.” However, Naek told the court that spadework had to be done.

“It was necessary for the Governor SBP [State Bank of Pakistan] to give notice according to the law. Not asking the court for a month. Please allow the appropriate time. I have to do research,” the defence counsel told the court.

National Accountability Bureau (NAB) prosecutor Sardar Muzaffar prayed to the court that indictment must be filed within seven days of providing the reference copies. He added that he was ready to argue on the petition now.

The court told Naek to appear on July 9. However, he excused that “there is a case in the Supreme Court Karachi Registry on that day.” The judge adjourned further proceedings in the case until July 14. The court remarked that NAB should file a reply to Zardari’s miscellaneous request, at the next hearing.

The former president appeared before the court through a video link. Naek informed him that “We have requested that no indictment can be filed.” To which Zardari’s inquired: “What will be the process now?” Naek replied: “Our application will be decided first, after which the court will decide to charge,” adding that trail would commence after that.

Meanwhile, the accountability court sought a report on the declaration of co-accused Ashfaq Leghari. The court directed NAB to submit a progress report and adjourned the hearing till July 10.