KARACHI, Nov 10: An accountability court in Karachi on Thursday reserved order on an application for exemption of former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto’s personal appearance before court at the time of announcement of judgment of trial against her regarding illegal appointments in PIA.

Benazir Bhutto’s counsel Abdul Hafeez Lakho filed an application for condonation of absence of his client, submitting that Ms. Bhutto be condoned at the time of announcement of judgment as her spouse Asif Ali Zardari has suffered heart attack and had undergone a second angioplasty.

He said Asif Zardari has been advised rest for six months leaving his client as the primary caretaker of her young children and her ailing mother.

Special Prosecutor NAB Nasir Hussain Jaffery opposed the application and argued that exemption of defendant’s personal appearance and bail was valid during trial, but now when the case is concluding, she could not be exempted for personal appearance.

He submitted that defendant be declared absconder in case she fails to appear before court at time of announcement of judgment.

AC, headed by Judge Parkash Lal Ambwani, after hearing the arguments of Special Prosecutor fixed Nov 15 for orders on the application.

The court had earlier fixed Oct 13 for announcement of judgment of trial against Benazir Bhutto and others directing all defendants to appear before court. However, Benazir Bhutto’s counsel Abdul Hafeez Lakho filed an application for condoning the absence of his client.

Subsequently, notices were issued to Special Prosecutor for deciding the controversy as to whether judgment could be announced in absence of the defendant or not.—PPI