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Last PW in plance case

records statement

RECORDER REPORT

KARACHI: The 27th and last prosecution witness in the October 12 plane conspiracy case, Investigation Officer Waqar Malhan, on Wednesday said in his statement that he had sufficient proof before arresting the accused.

The PW was deposing before the Anti Terrorism court Judge, Rehmat Hussain Jaffery. All the seven accused in the case, including the main accused former prime minister Nawaz Sharif, were present in the court.

Malhan, said the evidence against the accused he had, further got strengthened after Ameenullah Chaudhry, former DG CAA, became approver in the case and recorded his evidence.

The PW said he did not record the statement of COAS Gen. Pervez Musharrarf.

After the completion of the statement of Malhan and his cross-examination by the defence counsel, the accused are to record their statements from Thursday or from a date Judge Jaffery decides on Thursday.

On an application of the prosecution regarding recording of statements by the main accused Nawaz Sharif, Judge Jaffery reserved the decision and said it would be announced on Thursday.

The prosecution in his application has pleaded that all the accused should be restrained from issuing, supplying or placing statements for public media as well as general public at large till such time the court certifies its satisfaction for the release of the material contained in the statement.

The leader of the prosecution team, Advocate general of Sindh Raja Qureshi, said the accused might release information in conflict with state secret act 1924. Their statement might be scandalous and aimed at tarnishing the image of the present system of government in Pakistan under scrutiny at the Supreme Court of Pakistan.

Therefore, until such time a final verdict is given by the SC, statements relating to proceedings and challenging the present system may not be allowed for release to public media, the prosecution pleaded.

The prosecution further pleaded that statements given by the accused may tarnish and affect security, integrity and solidarity of Pakistan. The accused may also try to take political mileage out of their statements and remarks, the prosecution added.