ISLAMABAD: The accountability court of Islamabad once again deferred the decision on the plea filed by senior leader of Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) Dr Babar Awan seeking acquittal in Nandipur reference.

Earlier, the court had to announce the order on April 30, but the decision was deferred till May 6.

Since the accountability judge Mohammad Arshad Malik was on leave on Monday, the court verdict was put off till May 22.

In his plea seeking acquittal under section 256-K of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC), Awan said the prosecution had tabled entire record related to the case in 9 volumes whereas key witnesses from ministries of energy, cabinetdivision and law and justice have recorded their testimonies.

He claimed that there was not an iota of evidence that could connect him with any delay or negligence in the Nandipur reference.

He said the law ministry did not accord any approval even after he resigned as law minister.

On Sept 5, the Rawalpindi NAB filed a reference against seven politicians and officials.

In the reference, NAB contended that the project had faced a delay of two years, one month and 15 days, resulting in a loss of Rs27.3 billion to the exchequer. The project, located in Gujranwala district, could not be completed and operated on time because the accused failed to issue legal opinions. Staff Reporter