ISLAMABAD: A district and session court in the federal capital deferred the indictment of Awami Muslim League (AML) Chief and former interior minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed in a case pertaining to allegations against former president Asif Ali Zardari till March 21.

As Judicial Magistrate Umar Shabbir resumed hearing in the case, the former premier through his lawyer filed a plea seeking exemption from appearance on medical grounds. The petition stated the AML chief was unable to attend the hearing as he was on the bedrest due to health issues. A medical report was also attached to the plea.

The judge approved his exemption plea and announced to frame charges against him on March 21. The judicial magistrate was scheduled to frame charges against the AML chief on Thursday as the investigation officer had submitted a challan in the case registered at the Aabpara police station earlier this month for accusing Asif Ali Zardari of hatching a plot to kill PTI chairman Imran Khan.

On Feb 18, Sheikh Rashid requested the court to adjourn the case till March 15 as he had to attend a conference on March 2. The judge said he could not adjourn the case for long as challan had been submitted by police.

On Feb 16, he was released from the Adiala Jail more than two weeks after he was arrested by the Islamabad police for allegations against Mr Zardari. He walked free from the prison after securing bail from the Islamabad High Court (IHC).