KARACHI, March 19: The Sindh High Court dismissed on Tuesday a criminal revision application filed by Hakim Ali Zardari in which he sought quashing of NAB proceedings against him in a reference pertaining to purchase of property in France.
A division bench, comprising Justice Roshan Essani and Justice Mohammed Mujeebullah Siddiqui, announced the short order. Reasons would be recorded later.
On March 12, a division bench of the Sindh High Court had restrained the accountability court-V not to pronounce final verdict in the accountability reference 07/2001 till decision on the criminal revision application of Hakim Ali Zardari.
Restraining the trial court, the Court had issued notice to the National Accountability Bureau for March 19.
The reference against Hakim Ali Zardari pertains to purchase of valuable property in France which was not shown in his assets and liabilities before the Election Commission.
FORGERY: Justice Sarmad Jalal Osmany adjourned the hearing of an application against the cancellation of bail of Saleem Chang, who has been implicated in preparing forged seals of the Supreme Court, the Sindh High Court and forged release and bail orders.
Qurban Ali Chowhan, counsel for respondents/accused Saleem Chang and Misri, concluding his arguments, submitted that the accused had been admitted to bail by the SHC and now the concession could not be withdrawn unless some substantial evidence was brought against the accused.
The counsel submitted that bail in the above matter was granted on March 25, 1999, as under similar circumstances bail had also been granted in application Nos 331/1998 and 329/1998.
Accused Saleem Chang was granted bail by the High Court in crime No 19/1998 on March 25, 1999 mainly on the ground that neither of the sections 420, 468, 465, 472 and 473 of PPC were punishable by 10 years or life imprisonment, and as such were not falling in the prohibitory clause.
It was also mentioned in the order that Ghulam Mustafa was the main accused in the matter who had prepared forged document for release of accused Saleem in the crime No 19/1998. In this case, the accused was granted bail.
After conclusion of arguments, the court deferred further proceedings till April 8 when a law officer of the province would argue the application for cancellation of bail.