Zardari, Talpur’s indictment deferred in money laundering case

ISLAMABAD: An accountability court on Tuesday deferred indictment of former president Asif Ali Zardari, his sister Faryal Talpur and other accused in the money laundering case until 24th July.

Accountability Judge Azam Khan resumed hearing the reference filed by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) against the PPP co-chairman, his sister, Omni Group head Anwar Majeed and prominent banker Hussain Lawai among others.

NAB prosecutor requested more time for further investigation before the indictment. The judge granted the request and deferred the indictment until 24th July.

The accountability court also approved applications of Zardari and Talpur seeking exemption from personal appearance in today’s hearing.

Zardari, his sister, and other accused are facing charges of laundering more than Rs35 billion through fake bank accounts. In December last year, Zardari granted bail on the orders of the Islamabad High Court (IHC) in the fake bank accounts and Park Lane cases on medical grounds.

READ MORE: AC defers Zardari’s indictment in Park Lane case till July 14

On Monday, an accountability court deferred the indictment of former Zardari in Park Lane reference after his counsel filed a last-minute petition against the proceedings.

Zardari’s lawyer Farooq H Naek filed a petition to stop the indictment against the former president maintaining that proceedings against his client were not legally justified.

The lawyer asked the judge to issue a notice to NAB on the new petition and adjourn proceedings. Judge Azam Khan postponed the indictment against and set a hearing for the new petition on 14th July.

Zardari, his sister Faryal Talpur and others are facing charges of corruption through fake bank accounts and embezzlement in the financial facility for Park Lane Pvt Ltd.

According to the anti-graft watchdog, Zardari was allegedly the owner of a shell company called Parathon as a shareholder in Park Lane properties. A loan worth Rs1.5 billion was taken and transferred to the company’s account in a private bank.