Another NAB report clears Shehbaz Sharif, others in money laundering case

The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) Lahore Monday submitted to the accountability court a supplementary investigation report, certified by the NAB chairman, stating that no evidence of corruption and money laundering was found against Shehbaz Sharif and other accused, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.

The court reserved its decision till June 22 next on summoning three new accused in the case including Shehbaz Sharif’s son Salman Shehbaz and son-in-law Haroon Yusuf.

Accountability Court judge Qamar-ul-Zaman conducted the hearing on money laundering and assets beyond means reference against Shehbaz Sharif and others.

Hamza Shehbaz’s plea for exemption from appearance due to backache was accepted.

The NAB Lahore submitted the certified supplementary report of the NAB chairman on the court orders. It was stated in the NAB report that no evidence had been found against the accused.

At the previous hearing, the court had ordered confirmation of the NAB supplementary report from the NAB chairman.

The accountability judge had said: “The accused have been declared innocent, but the report is not signed by the NAB chairman.”

The court reserved its decision on whether or not to issue summon notices to Haroon Yusuf, Syed Tahir Naqvi and Salman Shehbaz for trial.

The three new accused have withdrawn their bail pleas after being declared innocent in the investigation report.

The lawyers argued before the court that no evidence of corruption had been found against the accused in the NAB supplementary investigation report. “Therefore, they should be acquitted on the basis of insufficient evidence,” they stated.

Amjad Pervez, the lawyer for Shehbaz Sharif and others, has completed his arguments before the court.

 

Reporter: Jamaluddin Jamali