Non-bailable arrest warrants issued against Pakistan Finance Minister

An accountability court here on Tuesday issued non-bailable arrest warrants against Finance Minister Ishaq Dar for his prolonged absence from court proceedings relating to a corruption case.

Dar, who skipped the previous three hearings on account of medical treatment, is accused by the country's anti-corruption body -- National Accountability Bureau (NAB) -- of possessing assets disproportionate to his declared sources of income.

The court also issued notice to Dar's guarantor Ahmad Ali Qudoosi for failing to ensure the presence of the Minister, Dawn online reported.

Asked as to when the minister was likely to appear before the court, Qudoosi said Dar, who is presently in London, will fully recover in three to six weeks.

The court then briefly adjourned proceedings as the NAB investigation officer had not appeared in court. Later, as the hearing resumed, the court issued non-bailable warrants for Dar's arrest.

The hearing was then adjourned until November 21.

--IANS

soni/dg