Former finance minister Ishaq Dar has sought political asylum in England, Express News reported on Tuesday.
According to the report, Dar has cited health and personal issues in his asylum application. The former minister is currently residing in London due to “health issues”.
He has repeatedly failed appear before the Supreme Court and accountability court in the corruption reference filed by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) against him, resulting in the courts declaring him an absconder in the cases.
Furthermore on Monday, the Supreme Court ordered Dar to appear before the court within three days.
A three-member bench, headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Mian Saqib Nisar, was hearing a suo motu case pertaining to the appointment of Pakistan Television former chairman Ataul Haq Qasmi as managing director the state-run TV and the amount of salary and perks he received as MD and chief.
“Ishaq Dar is involved in the case,” Justice Nisar had said.
“We are giving Dar another chance. He should appear before the court within three days,” the bench had remarked while directing that summons be sent to the former finance minister’s house.
“Dar is absconding and we will conduct an inquiry if he fails to appear before the court again,” the chief justice observed.
Justice Nisar had warned former finance minister of cancelling his passport over persistent absence in assets beyond income reference despite being summoned.
