Zardari files plea for exemption from IHC hearing

Accountability court continues cross-examination of witness in Park Lane reference

Former president Asif Ali Zardari has filed an application for exemption from personal appearance during the hearing in Islamabad High Court (IHC) of his bail application in a case of Rs8.3 billion suspicious transaction, scheduled for Tuesday (today)

Zardari seeks the exemption on medical grounds. He said in the application that he was admitted to a hospital in Karachi due to various ailments, and doctors strictly forbade his travel. Medical reports have also been submitted along with the application.

Meanwhile, Zardari also filed for exemption from personal appearance in the Park Lane reference hearing in the accountability court on Monday. Besides Zardari, Judge Azam Khan also accepted the one-day exemption pleas from other accused Anwar Majeed and Ghani Majeed.

During the hearing on Monday, National Accountability Bureau (NAB) Prosecutor Irfan Bhola, defence counsel Mian Ali Ashfaq and Rafi Advocate, witness Ahsan Aslam appeared before the court, where the cross-examination of the witness continued. Later, the hearing was adjourned till December 23.