https://ift.tt/xeFP98B Chaudhry Pervez Elahi, the former chief minister of Punjab and PTI leader, continues to face legal challenges as a magisterial court extended his two-day physical remand on Saturday. The extension comes as part of ongoing investigations by the Anti-Corruption Establishment (ACE), which claims to have recovered Rs4.1 million from Elahi's residence. The recovery is linked to a case against him, alleging that he amassed money through illegal appointments within the Punjab Assembly. Elahi vehemently denied the ACE's version, expressing his bewilderment regarding the alleged recovery and its connection to corruption. Magistrate Imran Abid has requested a report on the progress of the investigation for the next hearing. During the proceedings, the lawyer representing the Anti-Corruption Establishment argued that they intended to retrieve more essential documents from Elahi's possession after finding the said amount. They requested an extension of Elahi's physical remand for further investigation. Read More: Elahi medically unfit to move, court told In response, Elahi's counsel, Amjad Pervez, questioned the timing of the ACE's disclosure, suggesting that it was omitted during the previous remand. He pointed out that it seemed unlikely for Elahi to engage in such activities for a relatively small sum of Rs4.1 million. He also inquired about when the anti-corruption officials arrived at Elahi's house. The magistrate referred to the details being mentioned in the "zamni," and Elahi's counsel requested permission to review it. He argued that the "zamni" indicated that the amount was recovered based on Elahi's disclosure, but it lacked information about the exact timing of the events. Elahi's counsel contended that this seemed to be an attempt to baselessly implicate Elahi in corrupt practices and urged the court to dismiss the case. The Anti-Corruption lawyer suggested addressing any irregularities in the trial court. Elahi's counsel questioned the validity of the allegations, particularly regarding the recruitment process in the Punjab Assembly, which he maintained had followed proper procedures. The Anti-Corruption lawyer proposed that any irregularities in the recovery should be addressed in the trial court. Read More: Elahi’s remand extended in vandalism case While the Anti-Corruption department sought a twelve-day physical remand, the court ultimately extended it by two days. In response to these developments, Elahi expressed his astonishment at the reported discovery of the funds and vehemently denied any connection to the retrieved money. He emphasised that his service to the nation had always been guided by a sense of duty and rejected any insinuations of financial embezzlement. Elahi clarified that nobody had visited him on the previous night, dismissing the narrative presented by the Anti-Corruption department. He admitted to being unaware of the source or circumstances surrounding the amount, which he believed had been "managed" to tarnish his reputation.
from Pakistan News, Latest News Pakistan, Pakistan Headline | The Express Tribune https://ift.tt/I6ab1mB
Social Plugin