ISLAMABAD: A National Accountability Bureau (NAB) witness caused panic in the accountability court today (Friday) when he revealed during a hearing that he was suffering from COVID-19.
The episode occurred while Accountability Judge Azam Khan was hearing the Muzarba scandal case in AC courtroom-2 at the Islamabad Judicial Complex. “I’m COVID-19 positive, please record my statement quickly,” the witness, identified as Amir Haider Malik, pleaded with the court.
His disclosure caused alarm in the court, with the Judge expressing displeasure at his appearance in spite of his positive diagnosis. AC Judge Azam Khan, lawyers and others vacated the courtroom quickly.
Later, the room was disinfected with chlorine spray, while the COVID-19 infected witness was asked to leave the courtroom with immediate effect.
Earlier in November, 2020, a lawyer appearing on behalf of some lecturers caused alarm in the Supreme Court of Pakistan when he disclosed that he had COVID-19.
Chief Justice Gulzar Ahmed was presiding over the bench that was hearing his case. As the lawyer appeared on the rostrum, he startled the court by revealing that he was COVID-19-positive but he had to appear as his application for postponing the hearing had been turned down by the court.
Unconvinced by his explanation, the CJP directed the counsel to submit his arguments in writing instead and immediately leave the courtroom.
