RAWALPINDI, March 11: An accountability court here on Tuesday adjourned the hearing in the acquittal plea of former interior minister Aftab Ahmed Sherpao till March 14 after the prosecution sought time to consult the National Accountability Bureau (NAB).

The National Accountability Bureau prosecutor asked Accountability Court No. 1 Judge Hanif Khan that they needed time to consult the National Accountability Bureau authorities on whether the former minister could be given indemnity under the National Reconciliation Ordinance (NRO).

Mr Sherpao had filed a fresh acquittal petition seeking exoneration in the New City Project case that was registered after many people were deprived of money by promising them plots.

It was on March 5 when the lawyer of the former minister filed an acquittal petition after vacating a stay order from the Lahore High Court Rawalpindi bench against the proceedings of the reference in the accountability court.

According to details, National Accountability Bureau submitted corruption reference of the New City Project against Aftab Sherpao in the court in April 2003.

It is alleged in the case that some money was transferred in a foreign account of the minister from the account of the main accused in the land scam.

The land for the project was bought alongside the Islamabad Highway from toll plaza to Karal Chowk, and Rs210 million was taken from the people against plots in the housing scheme.

Other accused in the case include former National Assembly speaker Nawaz Khokar, former National Housing Authority director general Iqbal Ahmed, Zahid Yaseen, Niaz Ali and Usman Ali.

The court had already exempted Mr Sherpao from appearing in the court in this reference. Yaseen was declared a proclaimed offender.

Another accused Ibadat Ali was already dead when the reference was filed in the accountability court.