Maryam's remand extended for 14 days

Counsel says NAB was repeatedly inquiring PML-N vice-president about the source of money but she refused to cooperate

LAHORE: An accountability court in Lahore granted an extension of 14 days in the physical remand of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader Maryam Nawaz and her cousin Yousuf Abbas to the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) in Chaudhry Sugar Mills (CSM) case.

Earlier, both had been remanded into NAB custody following their arrest from Kot Lakhpat jail where they had gone to meet ousted premier Nawaz Sharif on August 8.

The duo was produced in court amid strict security where judge Naeem Arshad heard NAB's request for a 15-day extension in their physical remand.

The anti-graft watchdog’s counsel informed the court that Maryam remained the director of Chaudhry Sugar Mills from 1992 to 1997.

He said that shares worth Rs8.4 million now worth Rs41 million.

“Information regarding the purchase of shares is not being provided,” he said.

The counsel further remarked that NAB was repeatedly inquiring Maryam about the source of money but she refused to cooperate.

The court was also told that Yousaf was in the management of Chaudhry Sugar Mills and his account was also used for transactions.

In response, Maryam's lawyer Advocate Amjad Pervez said that the investigation had been carried out in all cases and the trial had been completed.

The judge granted NAB 14-day physical remand and ordered that the two be presented before it on September 4.

Ahead of the proceedings, strict security arrangements were made with heavy contingent of police, including the anti-riot force and women police deployed in and around the court.

Many roads leading to the accountability court were closed using barbed wires, containers and barricades.

Various PML-N leaders were also present at the accountability court including Khurram Dastgir Khan, Hina Pervez Butt, Saiful Malook Khokhar, Barjees Tahir, Parvaiz Rasheed, Muhammad Zubair, Nehal Hashmi and Rana Muhammad Iqbal.

Accountability judge Mohammad Bashir had on July 6 last year convicted Nawaz and Maryam in the Avenfield properties reference and sentenced them to 10 years and seven years imprisonment, respectively.

The Islamabad High Court, however, had suspended the sentence and released Maryam.