Toshakhana reference: Court rules out to indict Zardari, Gilani on Sept 9

Former President Asif Ali Zardari and former prime minister Yousuf Raza Gilani will be indicted in the Toshakhana reference on Sept 9.

According to the details, Accountability Court of Islamabad, ruled that former president and former prime minister will be indicted in the Toshakhana reference on Sept 9.

Accountability Judge Asghar Ali stopped the process to declare former prime minister Nawaz Sharif a proclaimed offender over his perpetual absence from the court’s proceedings in the case until Aug 25 after he was informed that the PML-N supreme leader’s arrest warrants have been challenged in the Islamabad High Court.

The accountability court also summoned Omni Group owner Anwar Majeed and his son Abdul Ghani Majeed, named in the case, to appear on next hearing on Sept 9 for indictment and directed all accused to furnish a surety bond of Rs2 million each.

The former president turned up in court as Accountability Judge Asghar Ali resumed proceedings.

Zardari’s lawyer Farooq H Naek complained to the judge that they had considerable difficulty reaching court because of police erecting barriers and setting up check posts on all roads leading to it.

At this, the accountability judge said he too faced hardships while reaching court as he was stopped at a check post after which he had to take a u-turn, using an alternative route to reach there. He said he would take up the issue with the administration so as to prevent such a situation in future.

PPP chairperson Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, his sister Asifa Bhutto and some party leaders also reached the accountability court to show solidarity with the former president.

The party leadership had directed its members of the Parliament and People’s Lawyers Forum to reach Islamabad.

Police blocked all roads leading to court by placing barriers and barbed wire.

Some party leaders and supporters complained of being denied access to the court.

Former prime minister Nawaz Sharif, who has also been named in the reference, challenged his summoning by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) in the Toshakhana reference in the Islamabad High Court (IHC).