Ex-PM Gilani petitions for permanent exemption from appearances in NAB reference
Earlier this month, NAB had filed a reference against the former premier over the misuse of authority
ISLAMABAD: Former prime minister Yousuf Raza Gilani on Wednesday appeared before an accountability court in a reference pertaining to the misuse of authority and submitted a petition for permanent exemption from appearing before court.
Accountability court Judge Arshad Malik had summoned Gilani in connection with the case today after the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) Rawalpindi earlier this month filed a reference against the former premier over the misuse of authority.
As the hearing went under way, the ex-premier said that the contract awarded for Ministry of Information and Technology's advertisement was in compliance with PEPRA (Public Procurement Regulatory Authority) rules.
Submitting his request seeking permanent exemption from appearances, Gilani said that he can't appear before the court owing to security reasons. "I am also appearing before Karachi courts in four different cases," he further said.
Issuing a notice to NAB on the ex-premier's request, the court directed NAB prosecutor to submit a reply on it during the next hearing.
The court also directed Gilani to submit surety bonds worth Rs1 million to ensure his appearance.
The hearing of the case was then adjourned till October 22.
Four former premiers appearing before courts: Gilani
Speaking to the media outside the court, Gilani said, "The case is ongoing and the allegations are not yet clear. I only know that there was no loss to thenational exchequer."
Gilani added, "Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) respects courts and I am certain I will be acquitted in this case."
Further, he said, "This is not the first time I am appearing before a court and I have previously served a five-year prison sentence.”
“Four former prime ministers are being summoned in courts. There are cases ongoing against Nawaz Sharif, Shahid Khaqan Abbasi and Raja Pervaiz Ashraf,” he said.
NAB in its notification had said that former information secretary Farooq, former public information officer Saleem, Hassan Sheikhoo, Hanif and Riaz are co-accused in the case.
According to NAB, the accused ran an illegal marketing campaign for Universal Services Fund.
The national exchequer suffered a loss of Rs128 million owing to the actions of the accused, the NAB notification had further said.