Accountability court extends Khawaja Brothers’ judicial remand

Accountability  court of Lahore on Monday adjourned the Paragon Housing Scam Case against former Railways Minister Khawaja Saad Rafique and his brother Salman Rafique till January 6th.

According to the details, the court inquired about Qaiser Amin Butt, who’s the main accused of the paragon housing scam.

Prosecutor replied, “He is ill”

The court asked for any medical reported related to Qaiser Amin’s health submitted in the court.

Earlier, court extended Khawaja brothers judicial remand till December 23 (today)

Previous Hearing

In the previous hearing, presiding judge Jawad ul Hassan allowed former railways minister Saad Rafique to attend the National Assembly’s session in Islamabad.

“I want to say something in the court,” Rafique pleaded in the courtroom, adding: “Trial in the open court is the basic right of every person, everyone can hear the proceedings of the case.”

“In my case, court reporters are not being allowed to enter the courtroom, and facts being hidden from the general public” Rafique told the court.

“Police in every hearing prevent lawyers, reporters and visitors from entering in the courtroom.”

To this, the judge directed the police to not resist lawyers and reporters from entering in the courtroom during hearings.

“If you can’t provide security, then I will call rangers for it,” the judge remarked.

The NAB arrested Khawaja brothers on Dec 11, 2018.

They remained in the bureau’s custody till Feb 2 when the trial court sent them to jail on judicial remand. Their bail petitions dismissed by the Lahore High Court.

On April 26, the NAB Lahore had approved filing of a reference against the Khawaja brothers and Nadeem Zia for the alleged corruption.

Qaiser Amin Butt was also arrested in November last year. Later, he agreed to turn approver against the Khawaja brothers and Zia.

Butt and Zia established a company “Air Avenue” in the year 2003; however the name later changed to Paragon City private (Pvt) Limited.

The NAB launched investigation in November last year.