KARACHI, Nov 27: Proceedings in the Mir Murtaza Bhutto murder case could not be held on Tuesday as the authorities did not produce the prime accused, Asif Ali Zardari, in the court.

The district and sessions judge, Ali Sain Dino Matilo, fixed the matter for Dec 5 and ordered the Sindh home secretary to produce the accused in court on the next date of hearing.

Except for Mr Zardari and former DIG of Karachi Dr Shoaib Suddle, all the accused, including the then senior superintendent of police, South, Wajid Durrani, former chief of the Intelligence Bureau, Masood Sharif, ASPs Shahid Hiyat and Rai Tahir attended the hearing. Mr Suddle has been exempted from personal appearance by the court.

The case, being tried on the premises of the Central Prison, Karachi, was transferred to the district and sessions judge, East, after Judge Yasmin Abbasi of the Small Causes Court had refused to try the case about eight months ago due to the “non-cooperation of the prosecution and defence lawyers.”