Court grants two-day exemption to NBP president from hearing

ISLAMABAD: The Accountability Court Wednesday granted two-day exemption from hearing to President of National Bank of Pakistan (NBP) Saeed Ahmed in a supplementary reference against former finance minister Ishaq Dar and co-accused regarding assets beyond known sources of income.

The court fixed March 30, date for indictment and directed all the nominated accused to ensure their attendance on next hearing.

Judge Muhammad Bashir took up the reference against Ishaq Dar and co-accused for hearing filed by National Accountability Bureau (NAB).

During the course of proceeding, NAB prosecutor informed the court that Islamabad High Court (IHC) had already dismissed the petition of Saeed Ahmed seeking dismissal of supplementary reference.

He opposed the request to grant exemption to NBP president and said it was just an attempt to waste the court time.

He requested the court to indict other two accused who were already present, saying that several dates had been fixed for this purpose.

However, the counsel for NBP president, Hashmat Habib Advocate argued that his client had not received the IHC orders so far. They could move to Supreme Court after receiving orders, he added.

Judge Muhammad Bashir asked Ahmed's counsel to submit the IHC orders before moving to the Supreme Court. He directed Saeed Ahmed to submit surety bonds worth Rs one million to ensure his attendance on Friday.

The judge remarked that there were clear directives of apex court to conclude the reference within three months.

After granting the two days exemption to Ahmed, the court adjourned hearing of the case till March 30.