LAHORE: An accountability court on Friday expressed its dismay at the delay in filing of reference of illegal assets against former defence minister Khwaja Muhammad Asif and sought a reply from National Accountability Bureau (NAB) chairman retired Justice Javed Iqbal.

Reprimanding the investigating officer, Presiding Judge Jawadul Hassan observed that the courts were criticised for the delay committed by the prosecution. He asked the prosecution if it took the courts seriously or not.

The judge observed that the delay on the part of the prosecution ultimately went in favour of the accused. The judge sought a reply from the NAB chairman by the next hearing.

Earlier, the court was informed by a jail official that Asif could not be produced due to illness.

The jail’s deputy superintendent also submitted a medical certificate before the court.

Judge Hassan found the medical certificate unclear and sought a report from the superintendent. However, the judge extended the judicial remand of Asif till April 8.

NAB accused the former defence minister of accumulating assets beyond known sources of his income. It had arrested Asif on Dec 30, 2020 from Islamabad and shifted him to Lahore.

Published in Dawn, March 27th, 2021