PHC extends stay order against ACE notice to Atif Khan

PESHAWAR: The Peshawar High Court (PHC) on Wednesday extended the stay order against the Anti-Corruption Establishment (ACE) notice issued to PTI leader and Member National Assembly (MNA) Atif Khan.

The court re-issued a notice to the provincial government, seeking its response on the matter.A two-member bench comprising Justice Naeem Anwar and Justice Farah Jamshed heard the petition filed by Atif Khan against the anti-corruption proceedings.

During the hearing, Atif Khan’s legal counsel, Shumail Butt, argued that his client, an elected MNA, had been served a notice by the Anti-Corruption Establishment, prompting him to approach the court.

He contended that the anti-corruption authorities were acting with political motives and that the government had failed to submit its response despite previous court directives.In response, the additional advocate general requested the court for additional time to submit the government’s reply.

The petitioner’s lawyer further informed the court that the anti-corruption authorities had issued the notice regarding land-related matters in Malam Jabba and Mardan. He pointed out that the National Accountability Bureau had already closed the Malam Jabba case, and the PHC had upheld NAB’s decision to terminate the inquiry.

Regarding the Mardan housing society, the lawyer argued that the land in question had been purchased by Atif Khan’s ancestors in 1964. He added that a private company was awarded the contract for development projects in the society, and a valid lease agreement was in place.After hearing the arguments, the court directed the provincial government to submit its response in the next hearing and adjourned the proceedings.