IHC summons DG NAB in Nawaz's bail plea

Court irked over NAB not submitting reply in the matter

ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court on Tuesday summoned National Accountability Bureau (NAB) Director General Irfan Mangi while hearing a petition filed by Nawaz Sharif, seeking suspension of Nawaz's seven-year sentence in the Al Azizia Steel Mills case and grant post-arrest bail on medical grounds.

A two-member bench comprising Justice Amir Farooq and Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kiyani was irked by NAB not submitting reply in the matter. It gave the anti-graft watchdog three days to submit reply and also forward it to the deposed premier's counsel.

"The bureau has wasted the court's time," noted the bench.

Meanwhile, jail authorities and medical board submitted reports before the court.

The hearing has been adjourned till June 19.

The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz supremo's counsel had cited medical reports stating that his condition was critical and required a stress-free environment to recuperate.

In May, the Supreme Court rejected Nawaz's review petition seeking bail on medical grounds and permission to go abroad for medical treatment. The top court ordered him to surrender before the court as soon as his interim bail period ended. The bench, however, suggested his counsel to approach appropriate forum to get relief.

The former prime minister was moved to Kot Lakhpat jail from Rawalpindi's Adial jail on his request. Nawaz was sentenced to seven-year imprisonment and imposed Rs.15 billion and $25 million fines by accountability court judge Arshad Malik in the Al Azizia Steel Mills/ Hill Metal Establishment reference filed by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) in light of the SC's verdict in the Panamagate verdict.

The accountability court acquitted him in the Flagship Investment reference.