RAWALPINDI: Judge Sheikh Ejaz Ali of the Accountability Court Rawalpindi has revoked the arrest warrants issued against former Punjab Chief Minister Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi in the Takhat Parhi Forest land case.
Earlier, the court had ordered his arrest due to his repeated absence in the proceedings. During the latest hearing, the court reserved its verdict after listening to arguments on two petitions, including one seeking exemption from personal appearance, and adjourned the case until July 17. Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi was present in court along with his legal counsel, 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.
Talking to newsmen former Chief Minister (CM) Punjab Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi said first resistance and then reconciliation takes place and some better situation arises due to dialogue.
Speaking to media on the occasion of his appearance in Accountability Court (AC) Rawalpindi he said we should always hope for betterment and situation in the country will improve.
To a question from journalist talks are underway to remove or change the president.
27th constitutional amendment is being brought. What he will say? Pervaiz Elahi replied good, oho I am hearing about this from you.
The journalist asked 2nd question that call for protest on August 5 for release of Imran Khan has been given and on the other side they are talking about matter of dialogue. Which way is correct.
Former CM Punjab said first resistance and then reconciliation takes place. then reconciliation is better. Some better situation comes out due to talks.
