Suleman Shehbaz to return soon, claims PML-N

Former Punjab CM’s son is facing NAB inquiry in Ramzan mills case

LAHORE: Denying rumours of Suleman Shehbaz not returning to Pakistan fearing NAB references similar to his cousins Hassan, Hussain Nawaz and brother-in-law Ali Imran Yousaf, who have already been declared proclaimed offenders in different cases, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz has claimed Suleiman would return to Pakistan soon.

Clarifying reports doing the rounds, the former ruling party has claimed that Suleman has never held any public office not been a Member of Parliament.

“Suleman has left for London on a private trip only and will return to Pakistan,” said party sources. However, they didn’t specify any date. The party pointed out that Suleman's father Shehbaz Sharif has been in the NAB prison for the past 40 days and his brother Hamza is also cooperating with the anti-corruption watchdog.

The rumours of Suleiman not returning to Pakistan gained traction after a letter written by NAB to the Interior Ministry on November 16, requested officials to place both Suleiman and Hamza’s names on the Exit Control List. Suleman left for London on October 27, just three days before a scheduled NAB hearing and was later supposed to return to Pakistan in the first week of November.

However, he has now reportedly delayed his trip while his brother has also secured an interim bail till November 20, fearing arrest.



Both sons of the former Punjab CM are being investigated by the National Accountability Bureau over the construction of a bridge which allegedly facilitates Ramzan Sugar Mills owned by the Sharif family. The accountability bureau has alleged Rs200 million was paid from the national exchequer the bridge’s construction.

Meanwhile, another member of Sharif family, Ishaq Dar is also in London as red warrants have been issued against him in an assets beyond means case.

Similarly, son in law of Shehbaz, Ali Imran Yousaf, is also said to be in London after being declared a proclaimed offender by an accountability court in the Saaf Pani and the Punjab Power Development Company (PPDC) cases.

According to sources, there are strong chances of Suleman not returning to Pakistan to face NAB inquiries much like other Sharif family members. They claim returning to the country with his name placed on the ECL will mean walking into an imminent arrest.

Another source claimed Suleman would return after another extension in remand of his father.

“NAB has asked for an old transaction which, if provided, can prove detrimental in his case,” said the source, adding the party believes it would be a ‘technically appropriate’ time for his return.

It is pertinent to mention here that reportedly Shehbaz during NAB interrogations has pointed out that his son Suleman manages the business affairs of his family making him the missing piece in the case.