nawazshahbazAP-670
PML-N chief Nawaz Sharif and Chief Minister Punjab Shahbaz Sharif. — Photo by AP/File

RAWALPINDI: An accountability court on Monday adjourned the hearing of petitions pertaining to reopening of NAB references against the Sharifs to Sept 15, DawnNews reported.

Judge Chaudhry Abdul Haq said that the accused could be summoned once the petitions were admitted for hearing.

The petitions request the court to reopen references pertaining to Ittefaq Foundries and Raiwind assets.

In the reference relating to Raiwind assets, the main allegation is that Nawaz Sharif had acquired vast tracts of land upon which a number of palatial houses and mansions were built with resources which appeared to be grossly disproportionate to known sources of income. Apart from Sharif, his mother is an accused in the case.

Moreover, in the state versus Ittefaq Foundries, etc., case, Nawaz Sharif, his brother Abbas Sharif and Kamal Qureshi are accused of committing corruption of Rs1,063 million. The main allegation in the case is that Ittefaq Foundries Ltd obtained cash finance from the National Bank. As per NAB allegations, the company wilfully defaulted to pay back the amount in 1994.

During today’s hearing, the prosecutor from the National Accountability Bureau requested the court to summon the accused in their personal capacities.

Upon which, the judge said that Sharif brothers were public figures and asked why the NAB was adamant upon their appearance in court.

The judge moreover said that the accused could be summoned once the petitions were admitted for hearing.

The hearing was subsequently adjourned to Sept 15.

Earlier on July 28, the court had adjourned till Sept 15 proceedings on the reference regarding the Hudaibia Paper Mills.

Opinion

Editorial

Return to the helm
Updated 28 Apr, 2024

Return to the helm

With Nawaz Sharif as PML-N president, will we see more grievances being aired?
Unvaxxed & vulnerable
Updated 28 Apr, 2024

Unvaxxed & vulnerable

Even deadly mosquito-borne illnesses like dengue and malaria have vaccines, but they are virtually unheard of in Pakistan.
Gaza’s hell
Updated 28 Apr, 2024

Gaza’s hell

Perhaps Western ‘statesmen’ may moderate their policies if a significant percentage of voters punish them at the ballot box.
Missing links
Updated 27 Apr, 2024

Missing links

As the past decades have shown, the country has not been made more secure by ‘disappearing’ people suspected of wrongdoing.
Freedom to report?
27 Apr, 2024

Freedom to report?

AN accountability court has barred former prime minister Imran Khan and his wife from criticising the establishment...
After Bismah
27 Apr, 2024

After Bismah

BISMAH Maroof’s contribution to Pakistan cricket extends beyond the field. The 32-year old, Pakistan’s...