Islamabad (Staff Report): Accountability Court (AC) hearing a corruption case against Finance Minister Ishaq Dar on Monday rejected his plea seeking exemption from appearance, observing that the accused needs to be present when the witnesses record their statements and are cross-examined.
Hussain Mufti, Dar's associate counsel, informed the judge that Harris will be available to appear at noon. He also pleaded the judge to exempt his client from the hearing today due to official work.
However, Judge Mohammad Bashir remarked that the lead counsel can present the exemption arguments when he appears in court. He observed further that the accused needs to be present when witnesses are recording statements.
This was the finance minister's fifth appearance in the court of Accountability Judge Mohammad Bashir.
Later, Harris completed his cross-examination.
The hearing was then adjourned until 11:30am, October 18.