LAHORE: An accountability court on Tuesday summoned former chief minister Parvez Elahi and other suspects on Dec 10 for indictment in a reference of alleged corruption in funds for development schemes.

Judge Zubair Shahzad Kayani resumed hearing of the case, however, Mr Elahi did not appear before the court due to illness.

His lawyers submitted a plea for one-time exemption from personal appearance.

The judge reminded the lawyer that Mr Elahi’s presence was assured during the last hearing. The lawyer explained that the former chief minister was unwell but would attend the next hearing.

The judge expressed concern that the absence of Mr Elahi was delaying the proceedings and noted that the trial was being impacted as a result.

The counsel hinted at the possibility of filing a request for permanent exemption on behalf of Mr Elahi, which could allow a pleader to appear in his place.

He requested a two-week adjournment for the hearing, but the judge only granted a one-week adjournment.

The NAB reference alleged that Muhammad Khan Bhatti being principal secretary to then chief minister Elahi manoeuvered the award of contracts in favour of blue-eyed contractors in connivance with other suspects, including officials of government departments.

It said the suspect released full payment to the contractors even before the commencement of construction work only to receive kickbacks.

The bureau alleged that money from the corruption committed by Bhatti had been transferred into the bank accounts of Elahi and his son, Moonis Elahi.

Published in Dawn, December 4th, 2024