LHC rejects Mian Mansha’s plea against his possible arrest

LAHORE: The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Monday rejected an appeal filed by business tycoon Mian Mansha fearing his possible arrest following notices issued to him by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) in a money laundering case.

The hearing of the case was conducted by a two-member SC bench headed by Malik Shehzad Ahmed Khan.

Mansha’s lawyer Salman Aslam Butt contended before the court that his client was issued notices again by the NAB and he expressed fear that Mansha could be arrested in its wake. He told the LHC that a previous high court order barred NAB from taking any action against Mian Mansha.

Read: NAB summons Mian Mansha, son in money laundering case

However, the NAB’s lawyer said Mian Mansha could file a pre-arrest bail if he feared his arrest. Mansha’s lawyer said the court must NAB from any action in the light of court orders issued previously.

The LHC rejected the petition and ordered Mian Mansha to be a part of NAB inquiry.

A Lahore High Court division bench had issued notices to NAB on March 6 on a petition filed by Mian Mansha challenging bureau’s notices issued to him in connection with Saint James Hotel inquiry.

Butt, on behalf of the petitioner, had submitted that the bureau launched an inquiry against his client over purchase of Saint James Hotel in London, on Nov 1,2018.

He submitted that the bureau did not have the authority to investigate the matter as it did not fall under its jurisdiction. He contended that the bureau overstepped its authority. He pleaded with the court to set aside the notices being illegal.