Daily Times

The Lahore High Court (LHC) extended the interim bail of former ministers Khawaja Saad Rafique and Khawaja Salman Rafique on Wednesday in Paragon Housing Society scandal, until November 26.

The court extended the interim bail by 12 days prohibiting the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) from arresting both the brothers umtil November 26.

Earlier on October 24, a two-member bench headed by Justice Baqar Ali Najfi heard the case against the Khawaja brothers in which the court halted NAB from arresting Khawaja Saad Rafique.

Saad Rafique stated in his plea, that despite proving their innocence in the Paragon City Housing Society case during the investigation, NAB was still trying to arrest them, therefore their bail before arrest should be accepted. NAB prosecutor told the court that there were investigations under process against Saad in LDC, Ashiana Housing and Pakistan Railways irregularities and an arrest warrant was issued only in Paragon City case.

After completion of arguments from both sides, LHC approved Saad’s plea of bail before arrest and also asked NAB not to make an arrest until October 24.

Previously on October 12, Saad and Salman Rafique were also blacklisted by the immigration authorities. The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz leaders were blacklisted following the request of NAB.

A notification was issued by Directorate General, Immigration & Passports. According to the notification, Saad and Salman were blacklisted under Category B for future passport facilities.

They were blacklisted as the investigation against them was underway in Paragon Housing scandal.

Published in Daily Times, November 15^th 2018.