An accountability court in Lahore has suspended arrest orders and Red warrants issued against Rabia Imran and Imran Ali Yousaf. The case is linked to the Saaf Pani corruption reference.
The court decision was announced by Judge Rana Arif after hearing petitions from both accused. They requested permission to surrender before the court voluntarily.
According to the written order, Red warrants had been issued in March 2021. These were issued after the couple failed to appear before proceedings. Earlier, permanent arrest warrants were also issued in the case.
The court has now allowed both individuals to appear on May 5. It also suspended the existing Red warrants to facilitate their return to Pakistan.
The petitioners stated that they were living abroad at the time. They said this prevented them from appearing in court earlier. However, they have now expressed their intention to return and face trial.
Their legal counsel argued that there was a risk of arrest upon arrival due to active Red warrants. This concern was presented during the hearing.
The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) did not oppose the suspension request. Officials informed the court that they had no objection to the relief sought.
The court observed that every citizen has the right to a fair trial under the Constitution. Based on this principle, it approved the request and suspended the Red warrants.
During the proceedings, it was also noted that other co-accused in the case had already been acquitted. This included Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and several others named in the reference.
The Saaf Pani corruption reference was originally filed by NAB Lahore. It involved multiple individuals and allegations of financial misconduct.
In total, around 20 people were named in the case. An accountability court later cleared Shehbaz Sharif and other accused.
With the latest ruling, the court has temporarily suspended Red warrants for Rabia Imran and Imran Ali Yousaf. They are now expected to appear before the court on the scheduled date.
The case will continue once both accused return and submit themselves for legal proceedings.
In other news read more about: Nawaz’s Sons to Surrender in Three Corruption Cases
