Former premier Gilani appears before accountability court

ISLAMABAD: Former prime minister Yousuf Raza Gilani on Wednesday appeared before an accountability court in a reference related to the misuse of authority.

Accountability court Judge Arshad Malik had summoned Gilani in connection with the case today.

The former premier was asked to submit surety bonds worth one million on his request of permanent exemption from appearing in the case. The court further issued a notice to the NAB on Gilani’s exemption plea.

While speaking to media men outside the court, Gilani said, “This is not the first time, I am appearing before a court and I have previously served a five-year prison sentence.”

Earlier in September, National Accountability Bureau (NAB) Rawalpindi filed a reference against Pakistan Peoples Party leader over the charges of misusing the authority.

According to the anti-graft watchdog, an illegal marketing campaign incurred a loss of Rs 128 million to the national exchequer.

The National Accountability Bureau has launched a countrywide crackdown against corruption and other financial irregularities. Various references against notable personalities have been filed by the anti-graft body.

Justice (Retd) Javed Iqbal, Chairman NAB, has said, “We do not fear anyone, the anti-corruption crackdown will not stop,” and vowed that the bureau will, one day, put before the nation, a record of all the money looted from the national kitty.