Significant progress has been made in the Gujrat development projects kickbacks and bribery reference as former Punjab Chief Minister  Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi has been summoned on January 7 for the framing of charges. Today, Pervaiz Elahi did not appear before the Accountability Court Judge Zubair Shehzad Kiyani due to health reasons. Meanwhile, the court indicted six other accused present during the hearing, including former Punjab Assembly Principal Secretary Muhammad Khan Bhatti, Naeem Iqbal, Asif, and Asghar. 

During the hearing, the judge inquired about Pervaiz Elahi's absence. His lawyer, Ch Nawaz, informed the court that Elahi slipped in the bathroom last evening, injuring his back and ankle. He added that doctors have put him in nappies, and he cannot even use the bathroom independently. Prosecutor Waris Ali Janjua accused Elahi of presenting medical excuses at every hearing to avoid indictment. The prosecutor argued that charges could still be framed against the accused present in court.  

However, Muhammad Khan Bhatti’s lawyer opposed this, stating that separate indictments for co-accused are not lawful without the principal accused, Pervaiz Elahi. He also suggested that Elahi's pleader could represent him during the indictment.Earlier today, Pervaiz Elahi’s lawyers submitted an application requesting exemption from today’s hearing, citing his deteriorating health and doctors’ advice for rest. They requested the court grant a one-day exemption.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)