Pervez Ashraf approaches LHC against NAB notices

LAHORE

Former Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf has approached the Lahore High Court against the summons issued to him by the National Accountability Bureau following an inquiry into alleged bogus recruitment in Pepco and Gepco.

In his petition, the former premier stated that the NAB action was a result of political victimisation at the behest of the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz. 

He said that being minster for water and power he never influenced the appointments in the sector.

He said the NAB had been playing in the hands of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz leadership and subjecting PPP leaders to political victimisation. He said he asked the NAB officers to furnish him details of the allegations but the bureau kept issuing him summons without disclosing any reason.

The former prime minister pleaded that he was being dragged into the scandal on baseless grounds. He prayed to the court to set aside the notices/summons issued to him by the NAB for being illegal.

notices: The Lahore High Court on Tuesday issued contempt notices to the Faisalabad DCO, Housing Department director and deputy director for not complying with the court order, and sought reply until June 17. 

Baharan Bibi, a resident of Faisalabad district, filed contempt petition that she bought a plot in 1976 but could not transfer it in her name.

She said she approached the DCO office but they demanded Rs 16 million for registration and transfer of the plot in her name. The woman petitioner said she had not bought it with such heavy amount.

She was ready to pay the transfer fee as per the payment she made in 1976 to buy that plot, she said. She said she presented LHC’s order before the district administration but they did not listen to her. 

She requested the court to initiate contempt proceedings against the DCO and other officials.

After hearing initial arguments, Justice Ali Akbar Qureshi issued contempt notices to the DCO and the officials of the Housing Department and sought reply.