Moonis granted interim bail in money laundering case

LAHORE: A banking court on Wednesday granted interim bail to the PMLQ leader and former federal minister Moonis Elahi in a case related to alleged money laundering.

Moonis, along with his counsel, appeared before the court. PMLQ leader’s counsel argued before the court that the case against his client is based on political vendetta. The counsel informed the court that another nominated accused in the case Muhammad Khan Bhatti has been granted bail by the court.

The counsel claimed that the FIR against his client is illegal and without lawful authority as the case has no connection with matters concerning the federal government. So, the FIA does not have the jurisdiction to proceed in such matters, counsel argued.

He said that the case against his client was registered without summoning him or sending a notice after the completion of the inquiry.

He said that his client joined the investigation on his own and is appearing as and when required and furnishing whatever information is sought.

The court after hearing Moonis, granted him interim bail by July 4 on submission of surety bonds of Rs 500,000.

The FIA had registered a case against Moonis Elahi, Punjab Assembly Secretary Muhammad Khan Bhatti, Muhammad Nawaz Bhatti, Muhammad Ali, Mazhar Abbas, Makhdoom Omar Shehryar, Tarik Jawaid and Wajid Khan Bhatti under sections 109, 420, 468, 471, 34 of the PPC read with 5 (2) of Prevention of Corruption Act 1947 and 3/4 of the Anti-Money Laundering Act 2010 in connection with the affairs of RYK Sugar Mills.