LAHORE, Sept 13: The Lahore High Court on Thursday ordered the police to arrest the chief executive officer of a visa consultancy firm for defrauding the people.

Justice Mazahar Ali Akbar Naqvi issued this order hearing several petitions accusing Future Concern’s Asim Malik of depriving people of millions.

Petitioners alleged they had given money to the respondent company for going abroad, but neither they were sent abroad nor their money was given back.

The court had summoned Asim Malik, however, his counsel on Thursday told the court the petitioners could harm his client so he could not appear before the judge.

The counsel requested the court to exempt his client from personal appearance.

Justice Naqvi turned down the request and observed that the respondent committed contempt of court by not appearing before him despite many notices issued to him.

The judge issued a contempt notice besides non-bailable arrest warrants for the respondent and directed the DIG Operations to ensure his production on Sept 17.

The court had already directed the Federal Investigation Agency to put name of Malik on the exit control list.