LAHORE: Anti-Corruption Court on Wednesday adjourned the hearing of the Punjab Assembly illegal recruitment case until November 18, 2026, it was reported.
The court directed former chief minister Punjab Chaudhry Parvez Elahi to ensure his appearance on the next date so that he could be indicted.
The proceedings were conducted by Anti-Corruption Court Judge Javed Iqbal Warriach, with the accused, former Principal Secretary Punjab Assembly Muhammad Khan Bhatti. Other accused individuals, who are out on bail, also appeared to register their attendance.
During the proceedings, Parvez Elahi did not appear while his counsel submitted an exemption request, citing his client’s illness and need for rest.
The court granted a one-day exemption but expressed concern over the accused’s repeated absences, noting that such actions were delaying the indictment process. The court warned that all accused must be present at the next hearing, emphasising that continued absence was hindering progress in the case.
The court also called for arguments regarding the acquittal of co-accused Mukhtar Ranjha on the next date.
Anti-Corruption Establishment (ACE) Punjab had instituted the case against former chief minister Parvez Elahi, Principal Secretary Muhammed Khan Bhatti and others for alleged illegal recruitments and influencing the recruitment process in the Punjab Assembly.
