Lahore: A court here rejected a request to extend physical remand of former Punjab Assembly Deputy Speaker Dost Muhammed Mazari and sent him to jail on judicial remand.

Mazari is being investigated by Punjab Anti-Corruption Establishment (ACE) for alleged illegal occupation of 2,500 Kanal of land in his native Rajanpur district. Mazari was produced before an anti-corruption court upon expiry of his two-day remand. At outset of hearing, ACE officials demanded court extend his physical remand by 10 days. ACE prosecutor argued before court that they need further custody of suspect to complete investigations. Court, however, rejected ACE’s request to send former Deputy Speaker on further remand and directed to send him to jail on judicial remand. Meanwhile, former Speaker approached Anti-Corruption Court, through his counsel Farhad Ali, seeking bail.

Mazari claims ACE had registered case motivated by political causes rather than merit of any crime committed. He argued that all investigations have been completed and no evidence has been found against him, therefore, court should approve bail for Mazari, counsel maintained in petition.

Published in The Daily National Courier, November, 05 2022

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