IHC receives NAB response to Nawaz’s bail plea

NAB opposes Nawaz's bail plea; says no danger to his health

ISLAMABAD: The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) on Saturday submitted its response to the Islamabad High Court (IHC) in a petition filed by ousted premier Nawaz Sharif, seeking post-arrest bail and suspension of his seven-year sentence.

NAB opposed Nawaz's request for suspension of sentence and stated that according to recent medical reports, the PML-N supremo's health is in no danger and there is no recommendation for immediate surgery.

"There is no record of a new test after the end of Nawaz's six-week bail and his petition does not fulfil the principles of hardship," the accountability watchdog added in its response.

IHC summons DG NAB in Nawaz's bail plea

NAB submitted a 13-page response to Nawaz's bail plea after the court admonished the anti-graft body at the last hearing for their failure to submit a response. The written reply was submitted by NAB's Deputy Prosecutor General Sardar Muzaffar Abbasi

"The accountability court, after reviewing all the pieces of evidence awarded seven-year imprisonment to Nawaz and he cannot be acquitted by suspending his punishment," stated NAB.

A hearing on Nawaz's petition seeking suspension of sentence will be held on June 19.

Nawaz's life in danger without round-the-clock care: Maryam

The PML-N leader’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.