A banking court extended on Friday the interim pre-arrest bail of former President Asif Ali Zardari and his sister Faryal Talpur in the money-laundering of Rs35 billion through fake accounts case.

The siblings appeared before the court today as their bail ended today. The security around and inside the court was high and no one was allowed to enter the court. Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) leaders including former Sindh Chief Minister Qaim Ali Shah and former federal minister Rehman Malik were also present outside the court as it was feared that their party co-chairperson may be arrested today.

On Thursday, the PPP had decided to launch a protest if their leader was arrested. However, during today's hearing the banking court extended the interim bail of the brother and sister till January 7, local media reported. This is the fourth time that the interim bail of the siblings has been extended.

Court extends Zardari, Talpur’s bail in money laundering case

The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) is investigating several people in the fake accounts case. The list includes Omni Group Chairman Anwar Majeed, his sons Abdul Ghani Majeed and Nimr Majeed and Pakistan Stock Exchange Chairman Hussain Lawai. Anwar, Abdul Ghani and Lawai, are already in FIA's custody for interrogation.

Meanwhile, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf has also filed a disqualification case against Zardari for concealing his assets before the Election Commission of Pakistan. If Zardari fails to defend himself in the reference, he will be disqualified from holding public office for life.