Fake bank account case: Zardari, Talpur get extension in bail

ISLAMABAD: Former president Asif Ali Zardari and his sister Faryal Talpur on Wednesday got an extension in their interim bail from the Islamabad High Court (IHC) till 29 April in the case pertaining to money laundering of billions of rupees through fake bank accounts.

An IHC division bench comprising Justice Aamer Farooq and Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kiani resumed hearing into the bail petition of Pakistan People’s Party top leadership. Former president Asif Ali Zardari and his sister Faryal Talpur appeared before the court for the extension of their interim bail.

During hearing, Justice Aamir Farooq asked the NAB prosecutor how many inquiries are there against Asif Ali Zardari. To this, the NAB prosecutor told the court that there are two investigations and three inquiries open against the PPP Co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari. He further told the court that he only mentioned detail of cases in which Zardari had been summoned already. To this, Justice Mohsin Akhtar remarked if he was going to give a surprise to the accused. Justice Aamir Farooq asked why there are so many supporters in the courtroom. To this, Zardari’s lawyer Farooq H Naek told the court that former president Asif Ali Zardari has already asked the party workers not to come in the court. The NAB prosecutor requested the bench to grant more time to submit response to the petitions.

Giving more time to National Accountability Bureau to submit its reply regarding the number of cases against former president Asif Ali Zardari the court adjourned the hearing till April 29. Earlier, former president Asif Ali Zardari and his sister Faryal Talpur got bail from Islamabad High Court on March 28 against the surety bounds of Rs1 million each.

On April 8, Accountability Court, Islamabad conducted first hearing into fake bank accounts case. Asif Zardari and his sister appeared before the Accountability Court-II Judge Arshad Malik. In fake bank account case, two accused women Noreen and Kiran had requested the court to become approvers in the reference.