A top anti-corruption court in Pakistan issued bailable arrest warrants against Finance Minister Ishaq Dar after he failed to appear on Monday citing health reasons. Mr. Dar is accused of amassing wealth in Dubai beyond his known means of income. He has denied the charges.
Mr. Dar was scheduled to appear before the accountability court on Monday. However, his lawyer Khawaja Haris informed the judge of his ill-health and sought an exemption.
Mr. Haris said Mr. Dar was in London for treatment.
Judge expresses resentment
The judge expressed his resentment for not informing the court ahead of the hearing and issued bailable warrants for Mr. Dar’s arrest. He also called for him to be produced for the next hearing, scheduled for November 2.
A Supreme Court judge is overseeing cases against Mr. Dar and former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and his children following an apex court judgment in July.
The Supreme Court directed National Accountability Bureau to prepare corruption cases against the Sharifs and Mr. Dar. Sharif, against whom the court had issued bailable warrants last week, is currently in London as his wife is undergoing treatment for throat cancer. He is now scheduled to appear on Friday.
