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LAHORE, Nov 24: An accountability court having completed recording of evidence in a reference against former MNA Akbar Ali Bhatti started hearing of arguments here on Saturday.
The former MNA is being prosecuted by the National Accountability Bureau for default on payment of land lease dues against Akbar Brothers.
Recording his statement on oath, Mr Bhatti pleaded not guilty. He submitted that he had no connection with the Akbar Brothers at the time the land was leased to the company. He said he had taken over the management of the company in 1999. Further proceedings were adjourned for next week.
EVIDENCE CALLED: Another court hearing a reference against former MPA Mian Muhammad Rashid summoned prosecution evidence in the case on Nov 28. Mian Rashid is being prosecuted by the NAB for his failure to join the investigation for acquiring assets through illegal means. Earlier, the court had ordered attachment of his assets. On Saturday, the revenue officer concerned presented a list of the assets in pursuance of court orders. The assets included a house in Model Town Extention, Lahore, a Pejaro jeep, a tractor and some farmland in Narowal.
In a reference against former Lahore zila council chairman, Chaudhry Zulfiqar, the accountability court recorded the statement of a bank officer, Anjum Zaman, who appeared as a prosecution witness. The proceedings were then adjourned for Dec 3.
In a reference against former MNA Sheikh Muhammad Mansoor, the court heard arguments on an application submitted by the accused under Section 265-K. Hearing of arguments will continue on Nov 29.
The court also heard to an application submitted by Dr Azhar Ata Malik who is facing a reference on charges of corruption.
In a reference against former Passco secretary Maj Nawaz Malik (retired), the accountability court recorded statement by a defence witness and adjourned the case till Nov 30.
