AC extends remand of Ahsan Iqbal till 13th

ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad Accountability Court Monday extended the physical remand of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader Ahsan Iqbal till January 13 in Narowal Sports City scam.

The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) produced Ahsan Iqbal before the accountability court and requested to grant extension on his physical remand. During the hearing, the NAB prosecutor Sardar Muzaffar Abbasi requested the court for 14-day remand and told the court that evidences were available against Ahsan Iqbal in such project and the NAB needed more time for interrogation.

Ahsan Iqbal's counsel Barrister Zafarullah opposed the NAB's stance and said his client was being politically victimised as there was no evidence against him. The court after listening to the parties, extended Ahsan Iqbal's physical remand by seven days and ordered the NAB to produce him before the court on the day and to furnish arguments in next hearing.

Meanwhile, the accountability court extended the judicial remand of former prime minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi in liquefied natural gas (LNG) reference till January 21.

During the hearing, Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, former finance minister Miftah Ismail, Sheikh Imranul Haq, Chairperson OGRA Uzma Adil and others appeared before the accountability court. Miftah Ismail and two other accused filed plea in the court seeking permanent exemption from the court appearing.

The accountability court issued notice to the NAB and directed to present its arguments over the plea till January 13. The court extended the judicial remand of Shahid Khaqan Abbasi till January 21 and ordered the NAB to provide copies of the reference to the accused.

Talking to media outside the court, Shahid Khaqan Abbasi said the incumbent government should answer on flaws made in the Army Act. Stressing on the need to rectify the mistakes, he said the PML-N reviews every bill before supporting it.