LHC seeks prosecution witnesses by 29th

RECORDER REPORT

LAHORE: A full bench of the Lahore High Court sought prosecution witnesses by May 29 in contempt of court proceedings against PML-N MNA Waseem Akhtar, MPA Naeem Safdar, municipal chairman Ayaz Khan, Vice-chairman Ahmad Latif, Nasir Khan, Jamil Khan.

Earlier, Jamil Khan and Nasir Khan tendered their written unconditional apology while others opted to contest the proceedings against them.

Their counsel asked the bench for the provision of the CDs of the rally’s videos and all other relevant material.

The bench accordingly directed its staff to supply all the relevant record to the lawyers of the suspects.

The bench also gave more time to Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory (Pemra) to submit its reply on an application questioning alleged anti-judiciary speeches by Nawaz Sharif and Maryam Nawaz despite an order passed by the court.

LHC grants bail to former chairman ETPB

The Lahore High Court on Thursday granted bail to former chairman of Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) Asif Hashmi in corruption references filed against him by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB).

Hashmi’s counsel told a division bench that his client was arrested for alleged involvement in the corruption cases but nothing had been produced against him by the bureau.

He said the NAB completed its investigation and the petitioner being on judicial remand was no more required for any investigation. He said there was no justification to keep the petitioner behind the bars. He therefore, asked the bench to release the petitioner on bail.

The NAB had arrested Hashmi on his return to country from UAE last month. Hashmi was accused of misusing his authority and misappropriation of public funds.

In another reference, it accused him of making illegal investment worth Rs1.870 billion with a private company that caused a huge loss to the national exchequer.