ISLAMABAD: The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) has sought early hearing of pending appeals of former prime minister Nawaz Sharif against his conviction in the Avenfield Apartments, Al-Azizia references.

The accountability courts of Islamabad in July and December 2018 convicted Sharif in both the cases and sentenced him to 10 and seven years sentence respectively.

Mr Sharif was granted bail in these references by the IHC and he proceeded to UK for medical treatment. IHC, however, declared him proclaimed offender as he did not come back.

NAB filed the application before the IHC requesting the court to fix these appeals of Sharif along with an appeal of NAB against his acquittal in Flagship Investment reference.

The application stated that NAB ordains that the cases to be expeditiously disposed of. The Supreme Court recently directed that the number of accountability courts be enhanced and also issued specific directions for early adjudication and decision of the matters.

The bureau pointed out that Sharif has been declared proclaimed offender in mega corruption case and requested the court to hear this on an early date.

Published in Dawn, April 1st, 2021