PM Shehbaz, Hamza file acquittal plea in Ramzan Sugar Mills

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Hamza Shehbaz have filed an acquittal plea in the Ramzan Sugar Mills reference at the Anti-Corruption Court in Lahore, reported 24NewsHD TV Channel on Monday. 

According to the report, the plea was submitted under the anti-corruption law by their lawyer, Amjad Pervez. The case was heard by Judge Sardar Muhammad Iqbal Dogar of the Anti-Corruption Court.

The appeal states that under the new NAB law, the case was transferred from the accountability court to the anti-corruption court. Shehbaz Sharif is accused of using public funds to construct a drain benefiting the Ramzan Sugar Mills. 

However, the appeal clarifies that the drain was built on the request of a local MPA for the area’s benefit, and the mill pays the government compensation for using the drain.

The defence contends that no evidence of corruption has been found against the accused, and there is no likelihood of conviction in the case, making it a strong candidate for acquittal. 

The defence has requested the court to allow arguments on the acquittal plea. The court issued notices to the prosecution regarding the plea and adjourned the hearing until January 6.

Reporter: Jamaluddin Jamali