RAWALPINDI: Model Ayyan Ali did not arrive in customs court on Wednesday due to ‘security reasons’, Ayyan’s lawyer said.
Proceedings for the currency smuggling case against the model began on Wednesday at the customs court. Ayyan’s lawyer stated that his client’s name had also been included in the challan of the murder case of customs inspector Ejaz Chaudhry.
“In this case, the law is powerless,” he said. Ayyan’s lawyer also informed the court that the supermodel could not present herself before the court owing to security reasons. He also said that the supermodel was not related in any way to the murder of investigating officer Ejaz Chaudhry.
The court directed Ayyan’s lawyer to avoid speaking loudly. The judge also remarked that if the supermodel had genuine reasons for her security, then shouldn’t her bail be revoked and she should be taken into safe custody?
Khurram Khosa, Ayyan’s attorney, protested over customs officials sending notices to witnesses. Khosa questioned as to how could custom authorities issue notices in the presence of courts?
The court refused to grant Ayyan’s request of permanent immunity from appearing for the proceedings of the case and stated that hearing on the request would be conducted when the supermodel presents herself before the court. Proceedings in relation to the case were postponed till August 31.
Ayyan was arrested last year in March from Benazir International Airport for carrying more than $500,000 in her luggage, as she was allegedly about to board a Dubai-bound flight. Ayyan was taken into custody and sent to Adiala Jail, on charges of money laundering and currency smuggling.
Ayyan has tried to travel outside the country multiple times but has been unable to do so after her name has been included in the ECL more than once. She is also nominated in the murder of customs inspector Ejaz Chaudhry, who was the investigating officer in her case.
