AC reserves verdict on Zardari, Talpur’s pleas seeking A-class jail facilities

ISLAMABAD (92 News) – An accountability court (AC) on Tuesday reserved its verdict on pleas filed by former president Asif Ali Zardari and his sister Faryal Talpur for provision of A-class jail facilities in Adiala Jail. Judge Muhammad Bashir presided the hearing and reserved verdict after completing arguments from both the sides on the applications. Advocate Farooq H Naek asked whether the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) had any objection to transit remand. To reply, NAB prosecutor Sardar Muzaffar said the bureau had objection as the rule of A and B class in the jail had been abolished. “Now better facilities are available in better class,” he said. He termed that this application has no worth for hearing. To this, advocate Khosa said they are not begging for facilities to the government, adding that the country’s constitution provides all facilities to the former president for all life. A day earlier, Zardari and Talpur pleaded with the court for provision of facilities in their prison cell. According to an application filed by her legal team, the facilities sought include air-conditioner, TV, microwave oven, mosquito killer lamp, torch, iPod and a maid. AC extended the judicial remands of the former president and his sister in Park Lane and money laundering references. AC Judge Muhammad Bashir heard the mega money laundering case. The investigation officer presented his report in the court. The court has directed the NAB chairman to submit the references copies in next hearing. Judge Muhammad Bashir directed the NAB authorities to produce the former president before it on September 5. On the other hand, the NAB has prepared a supplementary reference against Zardari and his sister. The anti-corruption watchdog said that the supplementary reference has been prepared in light of the investigation conducted from Zardari and Faryal Talpur by the NAB officials. It was also reported that the accused would be indicted after filing the supplementary reference against them, while the statements of Asif Zardari and Faryal Talpur and important evidence have also been made part of the reference.