Court summons Parvez Elahi for Oct 23

Orders Moonis’s counsel to ensure his client’s appearance

LAHORE:

A special court in Lahore on Thursday summoned PTI President Parvez Elahi for October 23 in connection with a money laundering case. It also ordered relevant authorities to ensure that the former Punjab chief minister is presented in the court on that day.

Special Court (Central) Judge Tanveer Ahmad Sheikh issued this order during proceedings of the case, registered by the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) against Elahi and his son, former federal minister Moonis Elahi.

During the hearing, a counsel appeared on behalf of Moonis and submitted his power of attorney. He requested the court to avoid taking any strict measure against his client till he or his representative appears in the court.

However, the court observed that appearance of an accused was mandatory in criminal cases. He directed the counsel to ensure that Moonis Elahi attends the next hearing. Meanwhile, the court issued non-bailable arrest warrants for another accused Amir Sohail over non-appearance in the matter.

On June 20, the FIA filed charges of money laundering and suspicious transactions against the former Punjab chief minister and his son. Elahi has been involved in several legal cases over the past four months, resulting in his release and rearrest multiple times.