Lahore: Accountability Court (AC) Lahore has reserved judgment on former Chief Minister (CM) Punjab Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi plea for permanent exemption from attendance in corruption and kickback reference.

Reference on corruption and kickbacks in Gujarat development projects against Pervaiz Elahi and others came up for hearing before judge Zubair Shahzad Kiyani of AC Lahore.

Pervaiz Elahi did not appear in the court on Thursday as well.

Upon it the court accepted one day exemption plea of Pervaiz Elahi.

Pervaiz Elahi has filed permanent exemption from attendance plea in the court.

Upon it the respondents completed their arguments.

The counsels were of view Pervaiz Elahi is old aged and sick and doctors have directed him to take bed rest.

The court was requested to appoint Anwar Hussain as pleader to mark attendance in place of Pervaiz Elahi.

NAB prosecutor Ali Janjua said appearance of Pervaiz Elahi is must for appointing pleader. Pervaiz Elahi has been appearing earlier and he be summoned once again.

Exemption plea for one day in respect of former principal secretary Puynjab Assembly Muhammad Khan Bhatti was filed.

NAB witness Amjid Ali deputy secretary local government recorded his evidence.

Witness Amjid Ali stated he has presented record of development schemes in the court.

Punjab assembly and cabinet gave approval to development projects in Gujarat. The counsels of the accused completed cross examination on statement of the witness.

Former CM Punjab Pervaiz Elahi and others are charged with receiving kickbacks and corruption in development projects.

AC has indicted Pervaiz Elahi and other accused.

The court adjourned the hearing of the reference till February 27.