FIA issues red warrants for Ishaq Dar, approaches Interpol

The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has issued red warrants against former Finance Minister Ishaq Dar to bring him back to Pakistan for the cases pending against him since last year.

A three-member bench, headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Mian Saqib Nisar, was informed by Attorney General for Pakistan (AGP) Khalid Javed Khan that FIA issued red warrants for Dar after the interior ministry's approval. The FIA has also approached Interpol for help bringing Dar back, local media reported.

The AGP revealed that an application to seize the former minister's properties abroad has also been attached along with the red warrant. The hearing has been adjourned for two weeks. Despite many summon notices issued to Dar by SC, the former minister has been a no-show for over a year.

CJP warns to issue red warrants against Ishaq Dar for missing hearings

On July 9, the CJP warned Dar that the Supreme Court (SC) was considering issuing red warrants for him if he continued to abscond court proceedings. Dar had been summoned to appear before the court pertaining to the appointment of PTV’s managing director Attaullah Qasmi. He was summoned to record statement regarding the alleged payment of around Rs 270 million to Qasmi during his period at PTV.

Dar is currently in London and has been skipping hearings of his corruption case since last year. He has been declared a proclaimed offender by an accountability court due to his failure to appear before the court.

After the Panama Papers revelation, the National Accountability Bureau filed a corruption reference against Dar for owing assets beyond his known source of income.