PHC grants time to reach agreement in BRT case

PESHAWAR:

The Peshawar High Court has adjourned the hearing of writ petitions filed against the National Accountability Bureau's inquiry into alleged corruption and embezzlement by the owners of companies involved in the construction of the BRT in Peshawar until September 19. On Wednesday, it also extended a previously issued stay order.

The court was informed that efforts at reconciliation between the parties are ongoing, and a mutual agreement will be reached soon. The bench was assured that a formal written report would be submitted to the court after the process was complete. These revelations were made before a two-member bench of Justices Sahibzada Asadullah and Khurshid Iqbal by the lawyers of the contractors constructing the BRT, namely Naeem Bukhari, Waseem Sajjad, and Shumail Ahmed Butt.

Meanwhile, NAB was represented by Deputy Prosecutor General Azeem Dad and Special Prosecutor General Muhammad Ali.

When the court commenced hearing, the petitioners' lawyers informed the court that the PDA had not yet submitted responses in this case. In addition, efforts for reconciliation between the parties are ongoing, and an agreement is expected to be reached soon, the judges said.

The lawyers informed the court that they want NAB and the FIA to also sign an agreement so that the case can be completely closed and resolved amicably. In response, Justice Sahibzada Asadullah asked how much time they needed for this process. The petitioner’s lawyer, Shumail Ahmed Butt, informed the court that he was going abroad and requested more time, suggesting a date in September. On the other hand, NAB’s lawyers requested the court to schedule an early hearing for the case as the petitioner already has a stay order and has obtained interim relief.

However, the court stated that since the parties are attempting to reach an agreement, it is necessary to give them time. Consequently, the court extended the stay order until September 19 and ordered the relevant case to be heard again on the same date.