ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Wednesday barred an accountability court from proceeding against Ishaq Dar in a reference till Jan.17.

The order came as the bench comprising Justice Athar Minhallah and Justice Mian Gul Hassan Aurangzeb heard a petition against accountability court decision to issue arrest warrants against Dar and declare him a proclaimed absconder.

Dar’s lawyer Qazi Misbah argued that his client was ill and seeking treatment in London. He said proceedings against Dar continue despite medical certificates have been presented to the accountability court.

He said the court continues to record statements of witnesses in the absence of his client, praying the bench to stop the court from proceeding.

The lawyer rejected the impression that his client was running from the trial, saying Dar was in London for treatment and wants trial through his representative.

National Accountability Bureau (NAB) prosecutor Imran Shafique said Dar had no such illness that could prevent him from returning to Pakistan. He said statements are being recorded under criminal procedure.

Justice Aurangzeb asked the prosecutor how could a suspect be declared proclaimed absconder without being given 30-day time for appearance. After hearing arguments from both the parties, the IHC stayed the proceedings against Dar till Jan.17.

Meanwhile, ousted prime minister Nawaz Sharif has requested Supreme Court Chief Justice Mian Saqib Nisar to reconsider his order, passed on Nov.16, 2017, in the chamber, upholding the objections of the court registrar on his plea seeking merger of the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) references against him and his family.