Zardari reaches Islamabad, will appear before court on Thursday
Zardari is facing at least 5 corruption references filed by NAB, and is to be indicted tomorrow.
ISLAMABAD: (Dunya News) – Former president Asif Ali Zardari has reached Islamabad and is all set to appear before accountability court on Thursday to submit response about references filed by National Accountability Bureau (NAB). Zardari is expected to be indicted tomorrow on polo ground reference.
Accompanying him were former interior minister Rehman Malik and former prime minister Yousaf Raza Gilani. Speaking to the media, Rehman Malik said that prison and handcuffs aren’t new to Pakistan Peoples Party. "Government has done the initiation, we’ll face the charges," he added.
Speaking about the treason trial of former president Pervez Musharraf, Rehman Malik said that the matter of his sickness should be left on court to deside. Six judges had ratified Musharraf’s 12 October Marshall Law, he added.
Former interior minister also complained that the government has provided the adequate security to everyone but them.
Asif Ali Zardari had failed to appear before the court at least thrice before, owing to the security threats.
Defense attorney Farooq H. Naek had pleaded the extensions owing to the pertinent threats faced by the former president.
Sindh High Court had earlier permitted the former president to use bullet proof vehicles with tinted glass and bear additional security on his own expenses. Former president had failed to appear three times and the court had adjourned the hearing until January 9.
Zardari is now ready to face charges and will appear before Accountability Court on the summoned date to submit his response. Former president might be indicted on his appearance before the court, Dunya News reported.
The references filed against the former president are:
Polo ground case: This reference builds upon the construction of polo ground along with ancillary works at Prime Minister House which NAB says are illegal and in violation of the rights and privileges afforded to him.
SGS: This graft case is the continuance of the reference filed in 1997 that alleged former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto and spouse to have gained of the contract between SGS and government.
ARY case: This reference revolves around granting of trade licenses to ARY Traders for importing gold and silver which NAB says has caused losses to the public treasury.
Ursus tractors: This reference deals with the alleged corruption during the import of Russian and Polish tractors which NAB says caused losses to the national treasury.
Cotecna: This case talks about the award of contract to a Swiss company Cotecna after allegedly taking 6% bribe on the revenue proceeds of the company.
It is pertinent to mention here that media reports have vaguely compared Zardari’s willingness to face charges with Musharraf’s alleged reluctance of doing so. Former president Pervez Musharraf is also facing a trial but for suspending constitution and imposing emergency in November 2007.
