Court declares Moonis proclaimed offender

An accountability court in Lahore on Monday declared Moonis Elahi, the son of former Punjab chief minister and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) President Parvez Elahi, a proclaimed offender in a corruption case, issuing orders to seize his properties and bank accounts.

The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) had initiated an inquiry against former chief minister Elahi, his son Moonis, and many others in June 2023 over allegations of misuse of authority and receiving illegal gratification and kickbacks.

It was alleged that the accused approved schemes under supplementary grants and awarded contracts to their favourite contractors after receiving bribe or kickbacks in sheer violation of rules.

Read More: Moonis faces proclaimed offender status

The inquiry was upgraded to an investigation in July.

During the proceedings, the prosecutor apprised the court that a call-up notice was issued to accused Moonis in July, asking him to appear before a combined investigation team of NAB in Lahore.

He added that summons were also issued to Moonis but he remained a no show.

In August, the prosecutor said, an arrest warrant was issued against him by the NAB chairman, however, the accused did not join the NAB investigation. Therefore, the prosecutor added, the court should declare him a proclaimed offender and order for the seizure of his properties.