Islamabad, Jan 8

 Former Pakistan president Asif Ali Zardari may appear before the Accountability Court here Jan 9 to face five references filed against him 17 years ago, a media report said Wednesday.

Zardari's lawyer and former law minister Farooq H. Naek has sought adequate security for the former president during hearing of the references, the Dawn newspaper quoted Pakistan Peoples Party sources as saying.

He also demanded a bullet-proof vehicle and a bomb disposal squad for Zardari.

Zardari's spokesperson Farhatullah Babar declined to confirm or deny that the former president would appear before the court Thursday, the report said.

The spokesperson said Zardari would appear if the court seeks his personal appearance.

References against Zardari were made by the National Accountability Bureau.

Zardari completed his presidential tenure Sep 8, 2013.

By:IANS