ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court of Pakistan has on Friday taken notice of prolonged detentions of the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) suspects while hearing bail plea of Punjab’s former director food Muhammad Ajmal.

The apex court directed the accountability court of Lahore to submit reasons behind delay in trial and inquired about the time required to record statements of 38 prosecution witnesses.

“Why do the NAB cases face delay? Keeping suspects under custody for long time will be injustice and prolonged detentions can only be allowed if release of the accused is likely to affect the society or the trial,” the top court said.

Justice Umar Ata Bandial remarked that other methods can also be used rather than arresting the suspects. Their passports, bank accounts and properties can be controlled, he said. NNI