Accountability court issues arrest warrants for PTI chairman

Islamabad: The Accountability Court in Islamabad has issued arrest warrants for Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman in connection with the Toshakhana and the National Crime Agency’s £190 million cases. The warrants were issued based on a petition filed by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB), seeking the implementation of legal actions against the PTI Chairman.

Presided over by Judge Muhammad Bashir, the Accountability Court directed the Jail Superintendent to execute the arrest warrants. Deputy Prosecutor General NAB Sardar Muzaffar Abbasi, Prosecutor Irfan Bhola, and investigative officers Mohsin, Waqar-ul-Hassan, Mian Umar Nadeem, among others, were present during the court proceedings.

In response to the court’s inquiry about the High Court’s stance, the prosecutor stated that the matter is pending, with no suspension order or standing order issued. The NAB prosecutor emphasized the urgency of the arrest warrants and directed the Jail Superintendent to take necessary measures.

When questioned about the necessity of summoning the accused, the prosecutor clarified that once arrested following the warrant, the accused would be brought to the court for physical remand. They highlighted the legal provision of a 24-hour custody period, with the possibility of requesting additional time if needed.

The court sought clarification on the instructions for the Jail Superintendent and the potential involvement of the Official Secrets Act. The prosecutor assured that permission had been granted to execute the warrant, addressing concerns about the procedural aspects of the arrest.

Responding to queries about the investigators, the prosecutor confirmed the involvement of two separate individuals and reiterated the necessity for the arrest to facilitate an ongoing investigation.

The Accountability Court has now ordered the Superintendent of Adiala Jail to take legal actions for the implementation of the arrest warrants in accordance with the law.