Karachi: Sindh High Court (SHC) constitutional bench has summoned investigation officer along with record on next hearing in connection with petition filed against freezing bank accounts of former president Arif Alvi and his family members.

The petitions filed against freezing bank accounts of former president Arif Alvi and his family members came up for hearing before constitutional bench comprising justice Yusuf Ali Saeed and Justice Abdul Mubin Lakho.

Barrister Ali Tahir counsel for the petitioner took the plea statements of Awab Ali son of former president Arif Alvi and his wife have been recorded during previous hearing. The accounts of Awab Ali and his wife be restored at least after recording their statements by them.

Justice Yusuf Ali Saeed inquired from state counsel where is investigation officer.

The state counsel took the plea investigation officer has come from Islamabad. He could not appear being unwell.

Justice Abdul Mubin Lakho inquired what are allegations against the petitioners.

The counsel for the petitioner took the plea they are charged with giving insulting statements religiously.

Justice Abdul Mubin remarked accounts of the petitioners have been freezed for this reason.

The counsel for the petitioner took the plea this schedule is not offence. Had there been charges of money laundering even then the accounts could not be freezed.

Permission be given to withdraw Rs 10 lac for daily expenses.

Justice Yusuf Ali Saeed inquired has the court issued such order earlier.

The counsel for the private bank took the plea the second bench in this petition had once allowed to withdraw Rs 10 lac in June.

The court inquired tell us permission is needed for withdrawing money from which account.

Barrister Ali Tahir took the plea permission be given to withdraw money from bank account of Dr Arif Alvi.

Justice Abdul Hamid Lakho remarked Dr Arif Alvi is not in the country.

Justice Yusuf Ali Saeed took the plea bank accounts of son of former president and others are too there.

The state counsel took the plea investigation officer has recorded statements. Investigation officer be allowed to appear.

The court summoned investigation officer along with record on next hearing.

The court adjourned hearing of the case till December 19.