LAHORE, Dec 14: The National Accountability Bureau, Punjab, softened its terms on Wednesday for a settlement with former chief minister Manzoor Wattoo and others bringing down to 15 per cent the rate of mark-up to be charged on the Baitul Maal amount they are accused of having misappropiated.

The NAB had filed references against Mr Wattoo and six others for releasing and receiving Baitul Maal funds without lawful authority. The beneficiaries have since returned the principal amount. The NAB, however, has demanded payment of mark-up for a full settlement.

The prosecutor informed the court on Friday that the NAB was prepared to bring down the mark-up. The mark-up amount is Rs1,605 million. The court deferred the hearing till Dec 22 for further arguments.

A reference against former commerce minister Chaudhry Ahmad Mukhtar could not be heard on Friday, as the accountability court judge was on leave. The case would now be heard on Jan 9. For similar reasons a reference against a former provincial minister, Shah Nawaz Ranjha, was adjourned for Jan 5.