Corruption charges: Former prime minister Gilani granted bail in a dozen cases

FIA ordered to arrest and present Amin Fahim before the court on July 10.


Former prime minister Yousaf Raza Gilani arrives at the court for a hearing in a corruption case. PHOTO: INP

KARACHI:


An anti-corruption court granted pre-arrest bail on Tuesday to former prime minister Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani in a dozen cases pertaining to the multi-billion rupee trade subsidy scam. The special federal anti-corruption court-I judge Mohammad Azeem granted bail subject to a sum of Rs100,000 for each case. The court directed Gilani to ensure his presence at subsequent hearings.


A senior leader of the Pakistan Peoples Party, Gilani appeared in court on Tuesday, flanked by other PPP leaders, after warrants were issued twice for his arrest. On May 29, the court issued bailable warrants for his arrest. On June 2, the court accepted the final charge-sheet in the cases and issued non-bailable arrest warrants for Gilani, former commerce minister Amin Fahim and other accused, and directed the FIA to arrest and present them before the court on June 17.  The FIA submitted 12 charge-sheets in court pertaining to the scam in which the two PPP leaders were shown as absconders.

Gilani, who was represented by former federal law minister Farooq H Naek, submitted that the cases against him are false and politically motivated. His lawyer maintained that his client has not received any arrest warrants or court summons for his appearance so far. Gilani surrendered before the court to face the trial, said Naik, adding that the former prime minister is ready to cooperate with the investigation agency in the corruption cases. He pleaded to the court to admit the applicant to pre-arrest bail.

The PPP leaders and former and serving senior officials of the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) and private individuals had been booked for their alleged involvement in approving and disbursing fraudulent trade subsidies worth billions of rupees to several fake companies through fictitious claims and backdated cheques.

The court issued warrants for the arrest of former commerce minister Amin Fahim. The FIA was directed to arrest and produce Fahim along with other absconding accused by July 10.

Speaking at a press conference at Karachi Press Club on Tuesday, Gilani said he would approach the apex court to revisit its decision to disqualify him in 2012 after the incumbent chief justice retires.  “In the 18th Amendment, my government abolished the president’s power under 58 (2) B to send the elected prime minister and parliament packing. These powers have been delegated to the prime minister, empowering him, but unfortunately the court disqualified me under those charges which were not pertinent,” he said.

Gilani was of the view that the-then chief justice and court had forced him to indulge in un-constitutional activity to write a letter against the-then President of Pakistan Asif Ali Zardari, which he refused to do.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 18th, 2014.

COMMENTS (2)

MUHAMMAD HARIS BURKI | 9 years ago | Reply

Gillani is a seasoned politician. He remained confined during dictator s regime for five year and came out same hero. Government instead of concocted case bring his abducted son.

Aam Pakistani | 9 years ago | Reply

Bailed without getting arrested???

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