This is the 9th time the model’s indictment has been delayed .
Judge Rana Aftab Khan heard the case in the special Customs court in Rawalpindi on Thursday and adjourned the hearing till October 15, on the request of Ayyan’s junior defence lawyer, who appeared before the court along with the model.
Ayyan’s lawyer said Khosa could not be present before the court due to other official engagements, and prayed the court for additional time.
The court expressed displeasure at the delay of the model’s indictment. This is the ninth time her indictment has been deferred.
In his remarks, the judge said respites given in the case thus far could not be justified; adding that no further time would be afforded to the defence.
Customs intelligence prosecutor Muhammad Amin Feroz insisted that the court indict Ayyan as the charge-sheet against her is complete, adding that the presence of a senior defence lawyer is not necessary for the indictment.
Ali’s junior lawyer prayed the court to delay her indictment till Khosa himself appears in person, to which the court expressed its displeasure.
Feroz further asked the court to hear evidence to open a fresh case against the model on charges of money laundering. In order to end the unlawful practice, which causes a loss of billions to the economy every year, the model’s indictment is necessary to investigate the charges against her, he added. This request by the prosecution too was deferred by the court due to the absence of the senior defence lawyer.
Adjourning the session, the court directed the model to ensure the presence of Khosa at the next hearing.
Since her arrest in March this year, Ayyan has appeared before the court 27 times, of which seven appearances have been made since her bail.
Published in The Express Tribune, October 10th, 2015.
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