ISLAMABAD: The accountability court here on Thursday reserved decision on a plea submitted by defense lawyer against two supplementary references filed against former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, his daughter Maryam Nawaz and son-in-law Capt (retd) Muhammad Safdar.
Accountability Judge Mohammad Bashir conducted trial in three corruption references, namely Al-Azizia Steel Mills, Flagship Investments and Avenfield properties, against the Sharif family members.
During the court proceedings today, Sharif’s counsel Ayesha Hamid presented her arguments against two supplementary references filed by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB).
She contended that the supplementary references, namely Al Aziza Steel Mills and Flagship Investments, have been filed recently on similar allegations.
She argued that the supplementary references were unneeded.
The counsel also pleaded with the judge to inquire about the case from the Supreme Court’s monitoring judge, Justice Ijazul Ahsan.
On the occasion, she requested the court to extend the six-month deadline to wrap up the case, as what she said, the testimony of 16 new witnesses would take time.
The NAB prosecution opposed the plea and argued that the case should not be further delayed.
Hearing the arguments from both sides, the accountability judge then reserved verdict on the plea by the defence lawyer and adjourned the hearing till 1:30 pm today.
Sharif’s counsel then further requested the court to grant exemption to her client from reappearing before the court after 1:30 pm.
At which, the judge sought a written request with reasons.
The defence lawyer then submitted another written request.
The court is likely to rule on the matter later today.
Prosecution witnesses to testify against Sharifs via video-link
Two NAB witnesses from Pakistan High Commission in London, forensic expert Robert Radley and solicitor Akhtar Raja, will document their statement via video-link as the court will resume the hearing later today.
At the last hearing on February 15, the accountability judge dismissed a plea filed by Sharifs, seeking an exemption from personal appearance before the court.
Sharif’s counsel pleaded the judge to grant his client a permission to visit his ailing wife in London by exempting the three from personal appearance before the court from February 19 to March 5.
NAB Deputy Prosecutor General Muzaffar Abbasi opposed the plea and contended that the Supreme Court’s deadline to wrap up the case is approaching, as he said, the month of March is nearing.
The deputy prosecutor said Sharif’s two sons had already been declared proclaimed offenders in the case and the case should not be further delayed.
The accountability judge then announced a reserved verdict dismissing Sharifs’ plea.
The post Court reserves judgment on Sharif lawyer’s objections in two supplementary references appeared first on ARYNEWS.
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