June 22, 2008	Sunday	Jamadi-us-Sani 17, 1429

KARACHI, June 21: The special judge of the federal anti-corruption and emigration, Central, Shaukat Ali Memon, on Saturday adjourned till July 16 the hearing of a corruption case against the former federal minister, Shahid Khaqan Abbasi.

The defence counsel submitted an application on behalf of Mr Abbasi stating that his client was feeling unwell and could not attend the court’s proceedings. The court, however, condoned his absence.

Mr Abbasi has been accused of causing losses of over Rs11 million to the national exchequer in the procurement of computers for the Pakistan International Airlines during his tenure as PIA’s chairman in the late 90s.A case (FIR No5/99) was registered at the FIA Circle police station under Sections 409, 119 of the Pakistan Penal Code read with Section 5 (2) of the Prevention of Corruption Act 1947.

The former general manager of the PIA, Syed Nasir Ali, and the former director, Luqman Jacki, were the co-accused in the case.