ISLAMABAD, Oct 2 (APP): The Islamabad Accountability Court on Monday adjourned
hearing of references against Nawaz Sharif and his children till October 09 while
issuing arrest warrants for Hassan, Hussain and Maryam Nawaz and Capt (R) Muhammad
Safdar.
The former prime minister appeared before the accountability court for the second
time at judicial complex Islamabad.
The court postponed indictment of Nawaz Sharif as other accused were not present.
AC Judge Muhammad Bashir took up for hearing three references against Sharif family
members filed by National Accountability Bureau (NAB) in compliance of Supreme
Court orders in Panama papers case.
As the hearing began, the court asked NAB prosecutor whether the other nominated
persons in the case were produced after their arrest.
The NAB official told the court that orders had been delivered to the security
guard at the residence of Sharif family in Lahore.
The security guard had informed that Nawaz Sharif’s children including Hassan,
Hussain, Maryam Nawaz and son-in-law Captain (R) Safdar were abroad due to ailment
of Begum Kulsoom Nawaz, he said. The NAB requested the court to issue non-bailable
arrest warrants for the accused for skipping court proceeding for the third time.
On the other hand, the counsel for the Sharif family members Khawaja Haris assured
the court that former premier’s children would appear before the court on next date
of hearing.
He requested the court to not issue non-bailable warrants for his clients.
After hearing the arguments, the court subsequently issued non-bailable arrest
warrants for Hassan Nawaz, Hussain Nawaz and Captain (retd) Muhammad Safdar while
bailable arrest warrants for Maryam Nawaz.
The court also decided that it will separate the proceeding against Muhammad Nawaz
Sharif on next date of hearing if his children would again fail to appear before
it.
It may be mentioned here that Mr. Nawaz’s counsel also submitted surety bonds worth
Rs five million to ensure his client’s attendance in court.
While an application by Nawaz Sharif for exemption from personal appearance in the
court, could not be heard.
The NAB had filed four references on September 8, against Sharif family members and
Ishaq Dar on the orders of apex court. The accountability court had already
indicted Mr. Dar in the case regarding assets beyond known resources of income.
APP/Ahsan
