ISLAMABAD: An accountability court on Tuesday set October 2 to formally indict former prime minister Nawaz Sharif in all the three graft references filed against him and his family members by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) in compliance with the Supreme Court’s July 28 orders in the Panama Papers case.
The court also issued bailable arrest warrants for Nawaz Sharif’s sons Hassan and Hussain Nawaz, daughter Maryam and son-in-law MNA Capt (r) Safdar after they failed to appear despite two earlier summons by the court. The court directed the authorities concerned to ensure their appearance on October 2.
At the outset of the hearing, judge Muhammad Bashir allowed the former premier to leave the court after marking his attendance so the proceedings could begin properly. Nawaz Sharif, who remained in the courtroom for a few minutes, told the court in a low voice that he was abroad as his wife was unwell.
Nawaz’s political secretary, Senator Asif Kirmani, apprised the judge that he had fulfilled his duty of bringing Nawaz to the court, which the judge acknowledged. On last hearing, Kirmani had assured the court that Nawaz Sharif will appear on the next date of hearing.
The court provided copies of the graft references to senior counsel Khawaja Harris, who is representing Nawaz Sharif and his family in the graft references.
To Khawaja Haris’ request that his client may be exempted from personal appearance, the judge observed that the matter would be deliberated upon once his client is indicted.
NAB’s prosecutor Sardar Muzaffar Abbas told the court that security staff at Sharifs’ Jati Umra residence in Lahore refused to accept the summons for Hussain and Hassan Nawaz, stating that they reside outside the country.
A number of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) loyalists, workers, lawyers and government officials were present at the Accountability Courts Complex to greet the former prime minister.
After his appearance in the court, Nawaz Sharif returned to Punjab House where he held consultative meetings with political and legal aides and later held a news conference.
A number of PML-N leaders gathered at the Punjab House early morning, where Nawaz Sharif is staying, to see-off him to the court.
A number of party leaders and government officials were accompanying Nawaz Sharif in his convoy, which consisted of about 37 vehicles. However, only one vehicle carrying Nawaz Sharif and his lawyer was allowed to enter the court premises.
The Islamabad administration had made special traffic and security arrangements in and around Sector G-11, where the court is located. According to police sources, around 1,550 police personnel were deployed to secure the route of Nawaz Sharif. Besides, contingents of Rangers and Elite Force personnel secured the courts complex.
Published in Daily Times, September 27th 2017.
