Lahore, Aug 30 (IANS) An accountability court here on Friday issued a bailable arrest warrant against former Prime Minister Raja Pervaiz Ashraf.

The arrest warrant against Ashraf was issued for making illegal appointments in the Gujranwala Electric Power Company (Gepco) during his period as federal Minister for Water and Power, Dawn newspaper reported.

Duty judge Jawadul Hassan rejected an application from Ashraf's lawyer Iftikhar Shahid for a court exemption for his client and instead issued arrest warrant.

The former Premier's lawyer said Ashraf could not appear before the court as he was unwell.

Rejecting the request for his exemption, the judge said that Ashraf's case had entered its final stages and he should have appeared before the court on Friday.

The court adjourned proceedings till September 18 after issuing the arrest warrant.

According to National Accountability Bureau (NAB), Ashraf misused his powers and appointed 437 people in Gepco from his electoral constituency without any consideration for merit.