Money laundering case: Two accused offer to turn approvers

ISLAMABAD: Two accused in money laundering and fake bank accounts case on Monday offered to become approvers in the reference against former president Asif Ali Zardari, his sister Fayal Talpur and other accused.

Former president Asif Ali Zardari and his sister Faryal Talpur on Monday appeared before the Accountability Court, Islamabad, under tight security for the first time after transfer of the case to Islamabad from the banking court of Karachi. Accountability Court Judge Arshad Malik resumed the hearing.

During the hearing, out of 32 accused, Kiran and Noreen requested the court to testify them as witnesses. They told the court that they had already made a request to the NAB chairman as well.

To this Accountability Court Judge Arshad Malik asked the NAB prosecutor about the request. The NAB prosecutor replied that the Bureau needed to check whether the request had been lodged or not.

Judge Arshad Malik directed the accused to submit their written request before the court. Former president’s lawyer Farooq H Naik requested the court to exempt Asif Ali Zardari and Faryal Talpur from appearing before the court in person during hearing.

Judge Arshad Malik rejected the plea and adjourned the hearing till April 16. For security measures, there were around 2000 police personal and 200 Rangers deployed outside the accountability court.

Despite that female party workers of PPP clashed with the security personnel, as they were trying to enter the court. In money laundering and fake Bank account case, FIA is investigating 32 people including former president Asif Ali Zardari and his sister Faryal Talpur.