Warrants issued for former PM’s children
ISLAMABAD: The accountability court hearing corruption cases against the Sharif family ordered on Tuesday that former premier Nawaz Sharif will be indicted on October 2.
Moreover, the court issued bailable arrest warrants for Nawaz’s daughter Maryam, sons Hussain and Hasan, and son-in-law MNA Capt (retd) Safdar as they failed to appear in court on Tuesday despite two earlier summons.
During the proceeding that was started after a 10-minute break, the accused were directed to submit surety bonds of Rs1 million each.
Nawaz’s lawyer Khawaja Harris submitted three advocacy certificates after which the court ordered the ousted PM to ensure his appearance in next hearing.
Earlier, as the hearing began, Judge Mohammad Bashir allowed the former prime minister to exit the court after marking his attendance so the proceedings could begin properly.
Nawaz and his family members had been summoned to the court with regards to three corruption references filed against them by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB).
A number of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) workers, lawyers and government officials were at the courts compound to greet the former premier.
As the hearing began, the court directed Nawaz to record his attendance and leave so the commotion would settle down and proper proceedings could begin.
Nawaz’s political aide, Senator Asif Kirmani, informed the judge that he has fulfilled his duty of bringing Nawaz to the court, which the judge acknowledged.
Nawaz’s counsel, Khawaja Harris, represented Nawaz and his family, and was provided copies of the three references against his clients.
He also pleaded the court to exempt his client from personal appearance. However, the judge observed that the matter would be deliberated upon once Nawaz has been indicted.
Presenting his arguments, NAB prosecutor Sardar Muzaffar Abbas informed the court that the security staff at Sharifs’ Jati Umra residence in Lahore refused to accept the summons for Hussain and Hasan Nawaz, stating that they reside outside the country.
The court then set October 2 as the date for indictment of the former premier in all three references.
Moreover, the court issued bailable warrants for the arrest of Nawaz’s children and son-in-law to ensure their appearance at the next hearing.
Sources said a number of party leaders and government officials were accompanying Nawaz as well in his 37-vehicle convoy, however, only the vehicles carrying Nawaz and his legal counsel were allowed inside the court complex.
The Islamabad administration made special traffic and security arrangements in and around Sector G-11, where the court is located.
Sources said around 1,500 police personnel were deployed to secure the route of the former premier whereas Rangers and Elite Force personnel will secure the courts complex.
INP