Money laundering case: Zardari’s indictment deferred till July 24

ISLAMABAD (92 News) – An accountability court in Islamabad has deferred the indictment of former president Asif Ali Zardari and his sister Faryal Talpur in the money laundering case till July 24. Accountability Judge Azam Khan resumed hearing the reference filed by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) against Zardari, Faryal Talpur and close aides Omni Group head Anwar Majeed and Hussain Lawai among other accused. Talpur submitted a request for exemption from court hearing because of the coronavirus situation across the country. Judge Azam Khan said that the suspects can’t be indicted till the plea bargain of Zain Malik has been completed. NAB has been instructed to submit Malik’s report at least two days before the next hearing. The court, while accepting NAB investigating officer’s request of granting more time, adjourned the hearing till July 24. The money laundering case, which is a part of the fake account case, refers to the embezzlement of Rs4.4 billion. NAB has accused Zardari and Talpur of owning shares of the Zardari Group, a company that received some of the embezzled funds. Former president Asif Ali Zardari was released on Dec 13 on the orders of the Islamabad High Court (IHC) in the fake bank accounts and Park Lane cases on medical grounds – six months after his arrest from his F-8 residence.