Takhat Parhi forest land case
RAWALPINDI
Judge Sheikh Ejaz Ali of Accountability Court Rawalpindi has cancelled arrest warrants of former Chief Minister (CM) Punjab Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi in land case.
The court had issued arrest warrants of Pervaiz Elahi due to his non appearance in Takhat Parhi Forest land case.
The court reserved judgment on completion of hearing of two petitions including exemption from attendance besides adjourning the hearing till July 17.
Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi appeared in the court along with his counsels Qazi Misbah.
The other accused nominated in the case and NAB lawyers including Sardar Muzaffar and Sardar Tahir appeared in the case.
The counsels for Pervaiz Elahi filed petition for cancellation of arrest warrants. The court while accepting the petition cancelled the arrest warrants.
Qazi Misbah counsel for Pervaiz Elahi filed petition during the hearing of the case on challenging the reference wherein the legal position of land reference filed in AC has been challenged.
The counsels of the accused were of the view NAB reference has been framed under what order. Its copy be provided to them while neither the signature of chairman NAB are available on the reference nor has any date been mentioned on reference. In this perspective this reference cannot be made and nor can it be maintainable.
NAB prosecutor Sardar Muzaffar pointed out the signatures of chairman NAB are available on the reference.
Counsel for Pervaiz Elahi repeated his stance if the signatures are available then show them to us. Neither there are signatures nor are the date mentioned on it.
The counsels for Pervaiz Elahi while giving reference to the decisions of Supreme Court (SC), Islamabad High Court and Lahore High Court on petition for exemption from attendance said medical reports about health of Pervaiz Elahi have been filed in the court. Being unwell it is not possible for Pervaiz Elahi to appear in the court during every hearing. If the accused is overage and cannot move and walk, then his counsel can appear in the court in his place. Supreme Court (SC) has also said that the statement of the accused can be recorded through video link.
NAB prosecutor opposed the exemption from attendance plea.
The court called Pervaiz Elahi on rostrum.
Pervaiz Elahi told the court my medical reports are before you. I cannot appear on every hearing due to my health condition .
Counsels for Pervaiz Elahi told the court his ribs are broken and he is made sit on chair during hearing by lending support to him.
NAB prosecutor while opposing the plea for giving three weeks time took the plea he should appear in the court on next hearing and then his petition be discussed.
The court remarked you should appear on next hearing and then we will see what we have to do.
The court while reserving judgment on both the petitions adjourned the hearing till July 17.
