Zardari given bail in two more cases

ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) Wednesday extended interim bails of former president Asif Ali Zardari and his sister Faryal Talpur in five cases besides accepting their pre-arrest bails in other two cases related to mega money laundering and fake accounts scam.

Pakistan People's Party (PPP)'s Co-Chairman Asif Ali Zardari and Faryal Talpur appeared before the divisional bench of IHC comprising Justice Aamer Farooq and Justice Mohsin Akhter Kiyani.

During the course of proceeding, Zardari's counsel Farooq H. Naik adopted the stance that there were 25 inquiries under process against his client with National Accountability Bureau (NAB).

He stated that chairman NAB was authorized to issue arrest warrants against accused during inquiries process. He prayed the court to grant pre-arrest bail to former president. Naik also requested the bench to separate the case related to Mushtaq and Sons.

At this, the bench observed that the court would separate it after viewing cases' nature.

Zardari's counsel also prayed the court to postpone cases hearing against his client till after Eid ul Fitr.

NAB prosecutor contended that the accused were used to file such petitions whenever any case got mature. The department had issued arrest warrants against accused in one reference.

The bench extended Zardari's bail till June 12, in Park Lane reference. However Zardari and Talpur's bail in Opal inquiry was extended till June 11. Likewise, former president's bail had been extended till June 20, in reference related to bullet proof vehicles.

The court had also extended the bails of two accused till May 29, in mega money laundering case. In suspected transaction case, Zardari's bail extended till June 18, and his bail plea in Haresh Company case adjourned till May 30.