Ashraf laments NAB's discrimination against PPP leaders

LAHORE: PPP leader and former prime minister Raja Pervaiz Ashraf on Tuesday lamented what he described discrimination against him and former premier Yousuf Raza Gillani, saying their names were still on the Exit Control List (ECL) but Nawaz Sharif not being placed on ECL in the wake Panamagate verdict.

Speaking to media, he said Sharif had been committing contempt of court by repeatedly criticizing against judges of the Supreme Court for disqualifying him.

The PPP leader said his party had called for repealing Article 62 and 63 of the constitution, which were introduced by a military ruler, but no heed was paid to the demand. In fact Sharif opposed the demand, but when he himself fell prey to these laws, he now calling for amendment in the constitution, he added.

The former prime minister was talking to media after an accountability court’s hearing of illegal appointments case against him. The court adjourned hearing of the case till Sept 19.

Ashraf is facing the NAB case for allegedly misusing his authority as water and power minister to make illegal appointments in Gujranwala Electric Power Company (GEPCO).

His lawyer told the court that NAB had provided vague and incomplete documents.

To which, the judge observed that he was wasting the court’s time by filing different applications in the case. The judge also directed the NAB prosecutor to provide the copy of relevant documents to the defence counsel and adjourned the hearing.