IHC restores Nawaz's appeals against conviction in Al-Azizia and Avenfield references

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) Thursday restored the appeals filed by former Prime Minister and PML-N Quaid, Nawaz Sharif against convictions in the Al-Azizia and Avenfield references, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.

A two-member special bench, led by Chief Justice Aamer Farooq and Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb, conducted the hearing.

Former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, accompanied by his legal team consisting Amjad Parvaiz and Azam Nazeer Tarar appeared before the court.

The court, in the previous hearing, had extended the protective bails granted to Nawaz Sharif until the current date. Additionally, a notice was issued to the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) with a request for a response.

In preparation for Nawaz Sharif's appearance, the IHC established stringent security measures in and around the court premises. A substantial police contingent was deployed to ensure security. Special passes were required for entry into the courtroom, and these passes were issued to 15 members of Nawaz Sharif's legal team, along with 10 lawyers from the advocate general's office. Additionally, passes for 30 journalists were also provided for coverage of the proceedings.

During the hearing, NAB's Prosecutor General, Ehtesham Qadir, did not object to the restoration of the appeals.

He emphasized that the possibility of withdrawing a reference exists only if a verdict has not been pronounced.

He went on to present a summary of the facts related to the Avonfield case and stressed that both references were filed on the orders of the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court not only directed the filing of these references but also constituted a Joint Investigation Team (JIT) to investigate the matters.

NAB Prosecutor General further explained that the appeals were lodged after the Accountability Court had concluded the cases. However, he clarified that according to Pakistani law, once an appeal has been admitted, it cannot be withdrawn, even for non-compliance.

Addressing the court's decision regarding the admissibility of appeals, he assured that if the appeals were to be restored, they would be argued on their merits. He also noted that NAB had previously expressed its intention not to arrest Nawaz Sharif.

Furthermore, Ehtesham Qadir pointed out that this court had already observed that once a proclaimed offender surrendered, it should be dealt with in accordance with the law.

In response to a question from the court, the Prosecutor General affirmed that if the appeals were reinstated, NAB would review the evidence and present its position before the court.

Amjad Parvez Advocate, representing Nawaz Sharif, referred to the court's previous verdict regarding Maryam Nawaz's acquittal from the Avenfield reference, highlighting that the court found that NAB had failed to prove Nawaz Sharif's role in the matter.

The court session concluded with discussions about the possibility of arresting the appellant. The Prosecutor General reiterated that NAB had no intention of arrest in this case.

 

 

 

Reporter: Rozeena Ali