LAHORE: An accountability court on Thursday ordered the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) to file a reference against Khawaja Saad Rafique and his brother Khawaja Salman Rafique in the Paragon Housing Society scam.
During proceedings, the bureau’s investigating officer informed the court that the reference against the Khawaja brothers had been approved by the anti-graft chairman and copies would be presented soon.
Salman Rafique appeared in court while Saad Rafique was absent as he was in Islamabad to attend the National Assembly session. The court then extended the judicial remand of the Khawaja brothers till June 13.
Justice Jawadul Hassan presided over the hearing of the case, and questioned an investigation officer of the NAB about “the position of the reference in the case.”
Reportedly, Saad could not appear for the hearing yet again as his defense counsel informed the court that his client was in Islamabad for attending a NA session on a production order. However, his brother and former provincial minister for health was produced before the bench. Saad’s production orders were issued until Thursday.
The officer told the court that the chairman of the accountability watchdog had officially approved the reference, and it would soon be presented before the court.
The court, while directing the NAB to speed up the filing of the reference, adjourned the hearing.
After appearing before the court, Salman lashed out at what he called “a fascist government”, and said the government is taking the country towards devastation.
“Imran Khan has come to the public as a punishment,” he said, adding that it has become extremely difficult for the public to survive under such inflation in the country.
Meanwhile, a heavy contingent of police was deployed around the court to prevent any untoward incident. On May 16, the court extended their judicial remand till May 30.
