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

Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Saqib Nisar warned former Finance Minister Ishaq Dar on Monday that red warrants will be issued against him and his passport will be revoked for consistently failing to appear before Supreme Court (SC).

The chief justice, heading a three-member bench during a hearing related to Pakistan Television Corporation (PTV) managing director's (MD) appointment case, inquired about Dar. The CJP was displeased to know that Dar was still in London despite being summoned by the apex court.

The CJP warned that the top court will revoke Dar's passport for his continuous no-show, local media reported. "We will also consider issuing red warrants for his [Dar's] arrest." Justice Nisar adjourned the hearing for a short time after directing interior ministry officials to submit their response regarding Dar.

Dar had been summoned to appear before the court pertaining to the appointment of PTV's MD Attaullah Qasmi. Dar was summoned to record statement regarding the alleged payment of around Rs 270 million to Qasmi during his period at PTV.

Similarly, the former finance minister, who is currently in London, has been absconding in 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.