Corruption and illegal recruitment: ATC directs PTI to ensure arguments by lawyers

PESHAWAR: The special judge of the Anti-Corruption Court on Monday gave the last chance to the former and current lawmakers and leaders of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) charged with corruption and illegal recruitment and directed them to ask lawyers to appear in the court for arguments.

The Anti-Corruption Court Special Judge Salahuddin heard the cases of corruption and illegal recruitment against the former and current lawmakers and leaders of the PTI.Former ministers and lawmakers, including Kamran Bangash, Taimur Salim Jhgara, Mahmood Jan and the current Member of the Provincial Assembly Ajmal Khan appeared in the court.

However, current lawmakers, including MPA Fazal Illahi, Asif Khan and ex-lawmaker Guldad Khan did not appear in the court.They had given an application for exemption from appearance in the court.

According to the Anti-Corruption Department, the former and present PTI lawmakers were involved in corruption and illegal recruitment in Peshawar and Bajaur.After a thorough probe, the Anti-Corruption Department registered against the nominated lawmakers in Peshawar and Bajaur tribal districts.

The accused then submitted application for the interim bail, which was granted by the court.The judge declared that if the lawyers of accused did not appear in the court then the application would be disposed of on merit.The court also extended the interim bail and fixed July 1 and July 22 for the next hearing into the cases.