ISLAMABAD: Judicial magistrate on Tuesday extended the physical remand of former minister Fawad Chaudhry in a case registered against him for taking Rs5million bribe from a citizen.

The Aabpara police produced Fawad before the Judicial Magistrate Yasir Chaudhry on Tuesday after expiry of his two days physical remand. He was handcuffed and his face was covered in cloth when brought to the sessions’ court.

His spouse Hibba Chaudhry, brother Faisal Hussain advocate and other lawyers were also present in the court.

The prosecution sought his further custody saying that the police have yet to recover pistol and the money from Fawad.

He said that Fawad extended threats to complainant Mohammad Zaheer who paid Rs5million bribe for a government job since Zaheer demanded the amount back when the ex-minister could not fulfill the commitment.

The prosecutor further said that Fawad was not cooperating with the police.

Fawad’s lawyer Faisal Hussain told the court that police covered the face of Fawad in violation of the orders and handcuffed him despite the fact that he served the country as a federal minister.

He argued that the ex-minister has been implicated in a case on the basis of mere accusations.

Despite his opposition, the judge extended the physical remand till Nov 8.

Further proceeding in this matter has been adjourned till Wednesday (today).

Published in Dawn, November 8th, 2023