IHC to hear Zardari’s bail plea today

The Islamabad High Court will hear PPP Co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari’s pre-arrest bail plea today (Wednesday) in the National Accountability Bureau’s reference filed against his Manhattan apartment in New York.

A division bench, headed by Chief Justice Athar Minallah and comprising Justice Amir Farooq, heard the bail application filed by NAB.

Zardari’s counsel Farooq H Naek, while submitting a request for exemption from attendance due to his client’s illness, said that he is ill and undergoing treatment in the hospital.

CJ Minallah said, “How can pre-arrest bail be given in the absence of Zardari? We can’t set a wrong example.”

Justice Amir Farooq said that the presence of the accused was necessary for the pre-arrest bail.
Naek replied that Zardari will be produced before the court by air ambulance today (Wednesday).

“Protective bail should be given.”

Justice Amir Farooq remarked, “You can get protective bail from the Sindh High Court.” The hearing of the case was adjourned till Wednesday.

On the other hand, former president Zardari, in his response to the New York flat inquiry prepared by NAB, said that NAB should give one month to submit the reply.

“A month should be given to gather information on the New York flat,” Zardari said in his reply, a copy of which is attached with the bail application.

It said that Zardari was asked to answer NAB’s questionnaire. NAB sought information regarding the New York apartment.

“Zardari respects NAB and courts and has been appearing for hearings.”

NAB issued a notice to Zardari, saying that he did not disclose the flat in his assets and statements.