Verdict reserved on red warrants for Asif Hashmi

LAHORE: Justice Mazhar Iqbal Sidhu of the Lahore High Court Friday reserved verdict on petition of Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) former chairman Asif Hashmi challenging issuance of his red warrants in a corruption case.
Asif Hashmi, who is now in Dubai, is accused of selling the ETPB 1,946 kanal land to DHA on 25 percent exemption basis in 2009, whereas same land was recommended by former ETPB chairman Gen Zulfiqar Ali Khan on 33 percent exemption basis to DHA in 2001. The land was situated in Dera Chahal, Lidher and Mota and difference of 8 percent caused loss of Rs2 billion while another 225 kanals was evacuated from DHA which was occupied with the connivance of ETPB officials and Hashmi team.Petitioner counsel Mian Hanif Tahir said that issuance of red warrants was violation of Interpol rules. He said the court had not declared Hashmi an absconder and had also not issued his permanent arrest warrants. He said in these circumstances the issuance of red warrants was against the law of the land. He requested to declare the red warrants illegal.