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AC To Seek Extension in Corruption Cases Against Sharifs

Islamabad (July 09, 2018): Accountability Court Islamabad today adjourned hearing into Al-Azizia reference against former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and his family members till Thursday.

The court allowed Nawaz Sharif and Maryam Nawaz three-day exemption from personal appearance before the court due to ailing Kulsoom Nawaz in London.

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Nawaz Sharif’s Counsel Khawaja Haris had submitted an application for exemption from the appearance of Nawaz Sharif and Maryam Nawaz for seven days.

The medical report of Kulsoom Nawaz was also presented to the court.

On the other hand, the deadline given by the Supreme Court to give decision against Sharif family in all three reference ending today, whereas NAB court has only managed to give decision in only one reference.

Judge Muhammad Bashir will request to Supreme Court today again to extend the deadline.Earlier on June 08, The Apex Court had extended the deadline to wrap up corruption cases against Sharif Family by July 09(today)  on the request of the NAB Court.

Earlier on May 09, the top court extended the deadline for concluding corruption cases against former PM Nawaz Sharif and his family until June 9.

The accountability court had submitted a request to the apex court seeking another extension in the deadline to conclude the high-profile cases.

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Justice Ahsan during hearing inquired if arguments in the Avenfield reference have concluded and whether its verdict can be given separately.

When the head of the two member bench Justice Azmat Saeed Sheikh, asked how much time the defence counsel requires, Nawaz’s counsel Khawaja Haris said he needs three months.

Haris contended that with Ramazan around the corner, a month’s extension would not be enough and the trial should not be rushed.The court however extended the deadline for a month.

Justice Ahsan remarked that the rights of the accused will be safeguarded at all costs.

Corruption Cases:

The trial against the Sharif family had commenced on September 14, 2017.

After the court’s verdict against Nawaz, Maryam and Safdar in the Avenfield reference, the remaining cases pertain to the Al-Azizia Steel Mills and Hill Metal Establishment, and offshore companies including Flagship Investment Limited.

Nawaz and his sons, Hussain and Hasan, are accused in all three references whereas his daughter Maryam and son-in-law Safdar were accused in the Avenfield reference only.The two brothers, based abroad, have been absconding since the proceedings began last year and were declared proclaimed offenders by the court.

The court originally had a deadline of six months which ended in mid-March but was extended for two months after the judge requested the apex court.

Later, the deadline was extended twice more, with the new date falling on July 10.

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