LAHORE: An accountability court on Thursday initiated proceedings to declare former federal minister Moonis Elahi proclaimed offender (PO) in case of alleged corruption in development projects.

Judge Nasim Ahmed Virk conducted the hearing on an application of the National Accountability Bureau (NAB).

The investigating officer presented a report in the court regarding the issuance of non-bailable arrest warrants of Moonis Elahi. He said the suspect, Moonis Elahi, had been evading arrest and due course of law.

He asked the court to start the process under section 87 of CrPC to declare the suspect PO in the case.

The judge allowed the request and initiated the proceedings to place Moonis Elahi under a proclamation.

The NAB accused Moonis of embezzling billions of rupees in development projects.

Moonis, who left the country last year, faces multiple cases of corruption and money laundering registered against him also by the Federal Investigation Agency and the Anti-Corruption Establishment as well.

Published in Dawn, October 6th, 2023