Former prime minister Raja Pervaiz Ashraf on Wednesday appeared before an accountability court (AC) in a corruption reference related to the Sumandri rental power project and filed a plea seeking exemption from appearance in all hearings.
The court has issued a notice to National Accountability Bureau (NAB) and sought a reply on October 9.
Accountability Judge Nisar Baig was hearing the rental power reference. As many as 12 accused presented themselves before the court.
The nominated persons are accused of graft, violation of the laws and granting illegal contracts. Copies of the reference were provided to all the accused persons during hearing.
The plea moved by the former PM mentions ‘security concerns’ as reason to seek excuse from attendance. The next hearing will see initiation of indictment process.
While talking to the media after the hearing, Ashraf said that he is accused of graft and not of corruption. He said that allegations are raised against every person who comes in power once at least. He expects justice from the AC, he added.
