Daily Times

Former finance minister Ishaq Dar has not sought political asylum in the United Kingdom, a family member said on Wednesday.

“Ishaq Dar went to the UK Home Office to inform them about the ongoing media trial. He believes Pakistan will use a memorandum, which is going to be signed with UK, against him,” Ali Dar, his son, said. “He just informed the Home Office about the propaganda being conducted against him,” he said.

Earlier on Wednesday, an accountability court had demanded verified record about Ishaq Dar in assets beyond means case. Judge Muhammad Bashir ordered the investigation officer (IO) to submit the original call-up record that was sent to Ishaq Dar. During the hearing, IO Nadir Abbas statement could not be recorded. His statement will be recorded in the next hearing. The court adjourned the reference hearing till June 26.

Separately, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Accountability Shahzad Akbar on Wednesday said that former finance minister Ishaq Dar was making efforts to escape from corruption cases.

Referring to reports of Dar’s request for political asylum, Shahzad Akbar said that the government had provided concrete evidence against Ishaq Dar to the British authorizes and sought his extradition.

Pakistan and the United Kingdom had signed a memorandum of understanding to extradite suspects, he said, adding that Ishaq Dar was a court absconder.

Shahzad Akbar said that Dar should face court cases and prove his innocence. “Dar should not worry if he has not committed any corruption,” he said.

He said that UK Home Office would decide about Dar’s plea for political asylum. “Law and order situation has improved and judiciary is independent in the country,” he said.