LAHORE: The Lahore High Court on Friday directed the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) to withdraw red warrants obtained from court for former chairman of the Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) Asif Hashmi in a case of alleged corruption and misuse of authority.

The court also directed Hashmi, who is abroad at present, to appear before the trial court within one month. The court observed that no accused could be deprived of his right to defence. It further directed the FIA to get the name of Hashmi removed from the ECL.

The court issued these directions while announcing verdict on the petition of Asif Hashmi.

The former chairman of ETPB was accused of causing a huge loss to the national exchequer by selling board’s land to the Defence Housing Authority, Lahore in violation of rules. Phase VI of DHA had been developed on that land.

Hashmi’s counsel Mian Hanif Tahir argued that the rules of Interpol were not followed for issuance of red warrants. He said the trial court had not declared Hashmi absconder nor had it issued permanent arrest warrants against him. The counsel asked the court to declare the warrants illegal.

Published in Dawn, May 30th, 2015

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