Accountability Court judge Asghar Ali on Thursday took up a NAB reference of Rs8 billion dubious transaction against former president Asif Ali Zardari, reported 24NewsHD TV channel. 

However, Mr Zardari could not be indicted because of the stay order granted by the Islamabad High Court. 

Former president’s counsel Farooq H Naek and NAB Prosecutor Wasim Javed were present in the court. 

Further proceedings were adjourned to November 18.

On Wednesday, Islamabad High Court (IHC) had stopped the accountability court from indicting Asif Zardari. IHC Chief Justice Athar Minallah and Justice Amir Farooq heard Zardari’s petition against the decision of the accountability court.

Giving relief to the accused in the reference, the IHC judge also issued notice to the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) seeking a reply on the matter.

Advocate Farooq H Naek had said that Zardari had not bought the property as a public officeholder but as a private person.

Pertinent to mention here that the accountability court had summoned Asif Ali Zardari in the suspicious transaction reference. The accountability court had rejected Zardari's plea for acquittal before indictment.