Assets case: Court gives Buzdar last chance to join investigation

F.P. Report

LAHORE: While exempting him from personal appearance for one day and extending his interim bail till May 18, an accountability court in Islamabad Saturday gave the last chance to former Punjab chief minister Usman Buzdar to join investigations in the case of an inquiry into his assets.

Accountability Court judge Sajjad Ahmed Sheikh conducted the hearing. “What’s the progress [in the case]?” he inquired from the investigation officer.

“Usman Buzdar did not appear before the NAB office for investigation,” the investigation officer told the court.

“Where is Usman Buzdar?” the judge inquired further.

“Usman Buzdar’s mother is sick. She has a heart problem. He is with her. The roads were also closed. One day exemption from personal appearance should be granted,” Buzdar’s lawyer pleaded with the court.

The court accepted Usman Buzdar’s plea for one-day exemption from appearance. Barrister Momin Malik had appeared before the court on behalf of Usman Buzdar.

“Usman Buzdar did not submit the details of the assets,” the investigation officer told the court.

The lawyer sought time to submit the details of the assets.

“You are pursuing the case in a homeopathic way. The accused sometimes skips court appearance, and sometimes he does not go to the NAB office,” the judge remarked.

“If Usman Buzdar does not join investigation, the results may become bad. He is not cooperating with the investigation process despite the court order. The court is giving him the last chance to join the investigation. On May 18, the court will announce the decision in the interim bail,” he added.