ISLAMABAD: An additional district and sessions court on Wednesday declared Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Shahbaz Gill as an absconder following his constant failure to show up in a sedition case.
Additional Sessions Judge Tahir Abbas Sipra announced the ruling after the suspect failed to show up in court for long despite issuance of multiple summons.
The court started the process to seize properties of Gill as the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) and the National Database and Registration Authority (Nadra) have submitted details of his properties.
The court also directed the authorities concerned to fix notice of absconder at his Faisalabad residence.
During the hearing, the court also rejected two pleas by the PTI leader for virtual appearance and stay on trial.
Judge Sipra remarked that the proceedings for declaring a suspect proclaimed offender could not be halted unless the suspect appeared in court. He said Gill had been facilitated to move abroad.
Gill’s lawyer said the PTI leader went abroad for treatment.
In previous hearing, the court directed National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) chairman to block the Computerized National Identity Card (CNIC).
Later, the court adjourned the hearing till Aug 31.
In March, the Lahore High Court (LHC) allowed Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Gill on March 29 to travel to the United States (US) for four weeks.
It is pertinent to mention here that a case was registered against Gill at the Kohsar police station, Islamabad. He was accused of creating a divide in the state institution.
