Zardari, Faryal’s indictment put off until July 29

 An accountability court on Friday once again deferred the indictment of former president Asif Ali Zardari and his sister Faryal Talpur in the mega money laundering reference until July 29.

The hearing of the case was adjourned due to the non-availability of judge Azam Khan.

Other suspects including Abdul Ghani Majeed appeared before the court.

A plea bargain report pertaining to the reference is expected to be presented in the court at the next hearing.

The case will now be heard on July 29.

On July 6, Zardari’s indictment was deferred in the Park Lane reference after his counsel Farooq Naek had requested the court for additional time to prepare for the case.

Zardari had requested for an exemption from court appearances due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Earlier, the court had decided to frame charges against Zardari through video link at the hospital or his residence in case of his ill health.

The court was scheduled to indict Zardari on June 26, but accountability judge Azam Khan adjourned the proceedings until July 6 because the arrangements to procure the attendance of the former president through video link had not been made.

Zardari had been accused of being involved “in extending loan and its misappropriation by M/s Parthenon Private Limited, M/s Park Lane Estate Private Limited and others”.