LAHORE: The Special Central Court in Lahore has granted time to the lawyer of former Punjab chief minister Chaudhry Parvez Elahi to prepare arguments on his acquittal plea in a money laundering case.
Judge Arif Khan Niazi of the Special Central Court heard Elahi’s petition for acquittal in the money laundering case. The former chief minister appeared before the court, while Special Prosecutor Muhammad Ayaz Butt represented the FIA.
During the hearing, the court asked Elahi’s lawyer about certain legal points that required assistance. The prosecution alleged that Elahi misused his public office to accumulate illegal assets.
The court remarked that the prosecution also claimed he formed companies for money laundering.
Elahi’s junior lawyer requested more time, stating that Aamir Saeed Ran—his main counsel—is contesting the Pakistan Bar Council elections, therefore the court should allow time. He assured the court that they would assist on these legal points at the next hearing.
The court then granted the lawyer time to prepare arguments on the acquittal plea.
Meanwhile, Special Prosecutor Muhammad Ayaz presented arguments on the petition against freezing Moonis Elahi’s assets. He argued that Moonis Elahi is a proclaimed offender, yet his lawyer marks attendance at every hearing, while according to a Supreme Court ruling, a proclaimed offender cannot hire a lawyer until he surrenders.
The court remarked that Moonis Elahi’s lawyer is being given a final chance to present arguments; if he fails to do so at the next hearing, the court will decide the matter according to law.
Later, the court adjourned the hearing of the money laundering case against former CM Pervaiz Elahi and others till December 18.
The FIA has registered a money laundering case against Parvez Elahi and several others.
