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.

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