LAHORE, Nov 26: An accountability court having concluded its proceedings in a reference against former MNA Akbar Ali Bhatti reserved its final order for Nov 29.

Akbar Bhatti has been prosecuted by NAB for allegedly grabbing state land by misusing his public office. The land situated in Palla Pond area of Mailsi, Vehari district, was got on lease by Akbar Brothers, a company owned by Bhatti’s family and was neither vacated by them on the expiry of lease period nor the lease money was deposited with the treasury.

In his statement before the court, Bhatti denied having any connection with company’s management at the time of the lease.

Another court presided over by Judge Yar Mohammad Nazami on Monday proceeded to declare as proclaimed offenders former MPA Ch Hakim Ali and another accused Mohammad Khalid in the NICFC loan default. Both the accused failed to appear before the court despite issuance of non-bailable warrants..

Other accused in the same reference are: Ch Tajammal Hussain, Ch Abdul Majid, Zulfiqar Hussain, Shahid Mahmood and Abdul Rashid Farooqui. The case against them was adjourned to Dec 11.

Meanwhile, in a reference against an alleged defaulter of NICFC loan, Ghulam Nabi, Director Landmark Construction Company, the court called for a reply from NAB on an application from the accused. The accused has prayed for allowing him opportunity to negotiate a bargain with NAB. The court remanded to judicial custody the accused for another week and adjourned its hearing till Dec 3.

Another accountability court in a reference against ex-customs superintendent Feroz Khan recorded the statement of bank officer Ajmal who appeared as prosecution witness. Further hearing was adjourned till Dec 3.

The accused is being prosecuted by NAB for allegedly acquiring assets through illegal means.

Hearing of a reference against former provincial minister Shah Nawaz Ranjha was deferred by the court till Dec 5 for hearing of arguments on an application submitted by the accused under Section 265-K CrPC.

In his application, the accused has prayed for his acquittal from the reference on the ground that the prosecution has failed to bring out a case against him. This plea has been opposed by the prosecution.