Former Punjab Chief Minister Indicted in Corruption Case Involving Development Project Kickbacks

An accountability court in Lahore has formally indicted former Punjab Chief Minister Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi in a corruption case linked to alleged kickbacks in development projects, marking a significant development in the high-profile trial. Elahi, who has been in detention since June 2023, appeared before the court to deny the charges, which include receiving kickbacks from his former principal secretary, Muhammad Khan Bhatti.

The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) reference alleges that Elahi, along with his son Moonis Elahi, orchestrated a scheme to take bribes under the guise of development initiatives in Gujrat, with the father-son duo allegedly receiving Rs1.23 billion in bribes. The court has summoned witnesses for the next hearing, scheduled for January 21, as the prosecution prepares to present its case against the former chief minister. The NAB claims that Bhatti facilitated the appointments of preferred officials in the Punjab Highway Department to execute the scheme, which allegedly resulted in the Elahi family receiving the highest kickbacks totalling Rs744 million.

The court expressed frustration with the recurring medical exemptions filed by the defence, which have often disrupted proceedings. Despite these challenges, the trial is set to continue, with Elahi's lawyer pleading not guilty on his behalf and promising to take the case forward without any issues. The indictment is a significant step in the case, which was filed by the NAB in December 2023, and marks a major development in the ongoing investigation into corruption allegations against the former chief minister and his son.

As the trial progresses, attention will be focused on the testimony of key witnesses and the presentation of evidence by the prosecution. The outcome of the case will have significant implications for Elahi and his family, as well as for the broader anti-corruption efforts in Pakistan. With the court's indictment, the stage is set for a high-stakes trial that will test the country's commitment to holding public officials accountable for their actions.