Indictment deferred again in Punjab Assembly recruitment case against Parvez Elahi

LAHORE, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 5th May, 2026) An anti-corruption court on Tuesday once again delayed the indictment of former Punjab chief minister Parvez Elahi and other accused in a case pertaining to alleged illegal recruitments in the Punjab Assembly, due to incomplete attendance of the suspects.

During the hearing, Parvez Elahi did not appear before the court. His counsel filed an application seeking exemption from personal appearance on medical grounds, which was accepted. Former principal secretary of the chief minister, Muhammad Khan Bhatti, also remained absent, and the court granted his request for one-day exemption.

Owing to the absence of key accused, the court could not proceed with the indictment. At the previous hearing, the court had directed all accused, including Parvez Elahi and Muhammad Khan Bhatti, to appear for framing of charges.

The proceedings were conducted by Anti-Corruption Court Judge Javed Iqbal Warraich, who adjourned the hearing until June 3 and ordered all accused to ensure their presence at the next date.

The court also sought arguments on an acquittal plea filed by co-accused Mukhtar Ranjha.

According to the prosecution, Parvez Elahi, Muhammad Khan Bhatti and other accused allegedly made appointments in the Punjab Assembly in violation of merit. The case alleges that candidates who had failed were unlawfully recruited to Grade-17 posts after tampering with written examination results. Several beneficiaries of the alleged illegal recruitment have also been nominated as accused.

The Anti-Corruption Establishment has already submitted the challan in the case.