ISLAMABAD: Anti-terrorism court (ATC) Islamabad on Monday granted one-day transit remand of former Punjab chief minister and PTI President Chaudhry to Anti-Corruption Establishment (ACE) Punjab.
Judge Abual Hasnat Zulqarnain of ATC approved ACE Punjab's request seeking Elahi transitory remand after reserving its verdict following the arguments presented by the Anti corruption department
According to a first information report (FIR), Elahi has been booked under section 5/2(d)47 of the Prevention of Corruption Act (PCA) for illicitly misusing his position and power as the then-chief minister of Punjab and transferring Muhammad Khan Bhatti, an employ in a special department of the Punjab Assembly, to a principal secretary.
Lawyer Sardar Abdur Razzaq represent Elahi in the court, said that the allegation against his client was that he had hired the office staff when he was the chief minister. “Can’t a CM appoint a chief secretary (CS)? How on earth can the appointment of Muhammad Khan as the CS be termed going beyond one’s authority?” he questioned, adding, “Elahi did not violate any law while appointing Khan as the CS.”
He said the case was booked after a lower court in Lahore discharged his client on Sunday. Elahi, however, wasn't released due to the non-payment of surety bonds.
When the judge asked the defendant whether he knew that he was facing an inquiry, the latter replied that he did not have slightest idea that inquiry was underway against him.