close
Tuesday March 19, 2024

Paragon Society case: Court extends Khwaja brothers judicial remand till 23rd

By Our Correspondent
December 10, 2019

LAHORE: An accountability court on Monday extended judicial remand of former railways minister Khwaja Saad Rafique and former health minister Punjab Khwaja Salman Rafique till Dec 23 in Paragon Housing Society case.

The Khwaja brothers were produced before the court on expiry of remand amid tight security. As the hearing commenced, Kh Saad Rafique requested the presiding judge Jawadul Hassan to allow him to speak, which was granted by the judge.

He, while addressing the court, said he had been deprived of his right to an open trial. An open court trial is the right of every citizen, but his trial had been closed, Saad added. He said the court reporters were not allowed to cover the proceedings of his trial. He alleged that the police stop the media persons, lawyers and supporters from entering the courtroom.

The court issued orders directing police to allow reporters and lawyers to enter the courtroom. The judge told the police that if they could not manage the security, he would call in the rangers. Meanwhile, the court granted transit remand of Saad Rafique to attend a National Assembly session in Islamabad.