Nawaz seeks exemption from court appearance

Former premier files petition in Islamabad High Court

ISLAMABAD: Former prime minister Nawaz Sharif on Monday filed an application in the Islamabad High Court (IHC) seeking exemption from appearing for the hearing in the appeal against the Al Azizia verdict.

The hearing is scheduled for April 9.

The application cited the Supreme Court’s verdict granting a suspension of sentence on medical ground for the exemption.

“Nawaz is undergoing multiple medical tests and examination for the purpose of treatment of various ailments including chronic kidney disease (CKD) and coronary heart disease (CHD),” it said.

The appellant maintained that he could not attend the hearing in the current situation. Advocate Ibrahim Haroon will represent him in court.

Nawaz is currently staying at Jati Umra in Raiwand and receiving treatment from the Sharif Medical City. Previously he was imprisoned at Kot Lakhpat jail in Lahore.

An accountability court in Islamabad convicted him in Al Azizia/ Hill Metal Establishment corruption reference filed by the National Accountability Bureau in light of the top court’s Panamagate judgment.