Firebrand PML-N leader and former minister Khawaja Saad Rafique and his brother Khawaja Salman Rafique were presented before an accountability court on Wednesday after being arrested a day earlier by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) in the Paragon City housing scam, Express News reported.

The Rafique brothers were arrested after the Lahore High Court (LHC) rejected a plea seeking extension in protective bail. The anti-graft watchdog had summoned them to appear before its combined investigation team (CIT) in connection with a probe into the Paragon Housing Society.

The brothers were brought to the accountability court under heavy security. Following a brawl between lawyers and the Punjab Police, the lawyers were barred from entering the courtroom. Charged PML-N activists were also present in the court premises and raised slogans against the arrest.

Speaking to media at the accountability court, Saad lamented “discrimination and violation of human rights” by NAB. “There are CCTV cameras in my jail cell. The bathroom door is missing a lock. However, I was provided with a bed to sleep,” he said.

The former minister also expressed dismay at the breakfast provided to him by the authorities. “My family had sent home-cooked food but NAB officials returned it,” he added.