LHC to take up treason petition against Nawaz, Abbasi after polls

Have the utmost respect for the oath and would not violate it, says Abbasi

LAHORE: The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Friday decided to adjourn the hearing of a treason petition against former prime ministers Nawaz Sharif and Shahid Khaqan Abbasi till after the general elections.

A petition lodged by Advocate Azhar Siddiqui prayed upon the court to book Nawaz and Abbasi for treason under Article 6 of the Constitution. The petition alleged that Abbasi shared crucial details of the National Security Council meeting with Nawaz following his statements on the 26/11 Mumbai attacks. The petitioner also claimed that by leaking details of the NSC, Abbasi has committed high treason.



A three-judge bench of the LHC was constituted to hear the petition and notices were sent to both respondents to appear before the bench. However, Abbasi entered the courtroom only to say that he had received no summons in this regard and was present on court grounds for his disqualification hearing.

"I read on the media that summons had been sent for me, however, I received none," he said. "I did not disclose details of the NSC, I have the utmost respect for the oath and would never violate it."

At this, Siddiqui stated that Nawaz had committed treason by giving the controversial interview pertaining to the Mumbai attacks and requested an investigation against him.

Abbasi then submitted a plea in court requesting the adjournment of the case until after the July 25 general elections. The court accepted his plea and adjourned the hearing.