Court grants exemption from appearance to Fawad

F.P. Report

LAHORE: An accountability court on Thursday granted one-time exemption from personal appearance to Fawad Hassan Fawad, former principal secretary to prime minister, in Ashiana-e-Iqbal Housing case.

The court also sought reply from National Accountability Bureau on acquittal application of co-accused Bilal Qudwai on the next date of hearing.

Accountability Court Judge Amjad Nazir Chaudhry conducted hearing of the case.

As the proceedings started, a counsel on behalf of co accused Bilal Qudwai argued that his client did not have any link with the case. He submitted that despite lack of incriminating evidence, the bureau nominated his client in the case. He pleaded with the court to decide acquittal application of the accused.

At this, the court sought reply from bureau on the acquittal application, The court observed that it would conclude the trial as early as possible because the Lahore High Court had ordered to complete the trial within four months.

Besides adjourning further hearing till April  27, the court also exempted Fawad Hassan Fawad from personal appearance while allowing an application filed by him for the purpose.

A pleader on behalf of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz President Shehbaz Sharif appeared during the proceedings as well.

The court had indicted 10 accused including Shehbaz Sharif in the case, whereas Shehbaz Sharif and Fawad Hassan Fawad had obtained bail from the Lahore High Court.