As the deadline for Nawaz Sharif's sons to appear in court in connection to the accountability references against them lapsed, the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) on Tuesday requested the court seize Hassan and Hussain Nawaz's properties.

The deadline for the Sharif sons to appear in court in connection with the Flagship Investments, Al-Azizia Steel Mills and Avenfield references ─ which also named Nawaz Sharif, Maryam Nawaz and Captain Safdar ─ lapsed on Nov 10.

Hassan and Hussain failed to appear in court despite the issuance of a proclamation against them last month, the NB deputy prosecutor general (DPG) said, adding that the notice had been pasted on the premises of the Federal Judicial Complex (FJC) on Oct 12.

The notice asking the brothers to surrender and attend court had also been pasted outside the Sharifs' various residences and sent to London through the Foreign Office, he told the court.

The NAB DPG asserted that the body had done its due diligence in attempting to get the two suspects to cooperate with the court, and now requested their properties be seized as they continued to avoid court.

The lawyer submitted a report containing details of the properties owned by the brothers. The report said neither of the brothers owns properties in the Lahore Development Authority or the Defence Housing Authority.

Hussain does, however, have four bank accounts in a local private bank. One account holds $3,992, the second holds 4,272 euros, the third has 207.53 pounds while the fourth has Rs382,381 in it," the report said.

The NAB DPG also observed that all investigation officers had recorded their statements in all three corruption references, and had completed all possible proceedings against Sharif's sons.

Therefore, he requested, their assets should be confiscated by the court.

After hearing the NAB prosecutor's arguments, the hearing was adjourned until Wednesday.

Opinion

Editorial

Ending rabies
25 Apr, 2025

Ending rabies

RABIES remains one of Pakistan’s most deadly, yet neglected public health crises. Across the country, hundreds die...
Wheat worries
25 Apr, 2025

Wheat worries

PUNJAB’S farmers are enraged. They are not getting what they call a fair price for their wheat harvest this year...
Pahalgam attack
Updated 24 Apr, 2025

Pahalgam attack

Pakistan must proceed with caution and prepare a calm yet firm response to India’s allegations, and threats.
New IMF projection
24 Apr, 2025

New IMF projection

THE downgrading of the IMF’s growth forecast for Pakistan by 40bps to 2.6pc is perturbing, especially considering...
Stranded goods
24 Apr, 2025

Stranded goods

AS controversy over the new canals continues to rage, traders across the country have begun raising the alarm over...