ISLAMABAD: The accountability court of Islamabad has sought comments from jail authorities on an application of former prime minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi for using a laptop in Adiala jail. The court, in an order issued on the application seeking a meeting of Mr Abbasi with the co-accused in the LNG terminal case, allowed him to meet them on Sunday.

It may be mentioned that Mr Abbasi, Miftah Ismail and Sheikh Imranul Haq are accused of awarding a 15-year contract for an LNG terminal against the rules during the last government of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz.

The court order said that the accused persons may also meet their relatives and lawyers on the day already fixed.

Accountability judge Mohammad Bashir, however, noted that “laptop is not being allowed due to absence of any provision in the Pakistan Prison Rules 1978”.

Barrister Sadia Abbasi argued before the court that a laptop was required for Mr Abbasi to prepare his case and for the purpose of writing for his lawyers.

She added that the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) chairman had allowed Mr Abbasi to use his laptop during his physical remand with NAB.

Since Mr Abbasi is on judicial remand and his custody is being regulated by the court, Barrister Sadia Abbasi requested the accountability judge that Mr Abbasi may be allowed the use of a laptop with a single software without any internet for the purpose of working and preparing drafts for the lawyers.

Subsequently, the court issued a notice to the Adiala jail superintendent to submit his comments in what condition a laptop can be allowed to accused for the said purpose.

Published in Dawn, October 20th, 2019