LAHORE: An anti-corruption court on Thursday delayed the indictment in a case of illegal appointments made in the Punjab Assembly due to the absence of PTI President Parvez Elahi.

Judge Javed Iqbal Warraich resumed the hearing of the case, however, Mr Elahi did not appear before the court.

His lawyers submitted a request seeking a one-time exemption from personal appearance which the judge accepted.

Due to the absence of the prime suspect, the judge delayed the indictment once again.

Meanwhile, other suspects, including former principal secretary Muhammad Khan Bhatti, were present during the hearing.

The judge also summoned arguments from lawyers on the acquittal plea filed by a suspect, Mukhtar Ahmad Ranjha, in the case.

The judge adjourned the proceedings till June 4.

The Anti-Corruption Establishment (ACE) registered the case alleging that illegal appointments of BS-17 posts were made in the assembly when Mr Elahi was the chief minister and co-suspect Muhammad Khan Bhatti was his principal secretary in 2021.

The prosecution alleged that favourite candidates were appointed to the posts despite being declared failed in the written examination. The appointed candidates had also been nominated as suspects in the case.

Published in Dawn, May 16th, 2025