Shehbaz’s interim bail extended until June 29

Counsel says PML-N president could not appear for signing of surety bonds as he was infected with virus

LAHORE: A Lahore High Court (LHC) division bench on Wednesday extended the interim bail of National Assembly Opposition Leader Shehbaz Sharif in assets beyond means and money laundering case until June 29.

The bench comprising Justice Aalia Neelum and Justice Muhammad Tariq Abbasi passed the orders while hearing a pre-arrest bail petition filed by Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) president.

At the outset of the proceedings, Advocate Amjad Pervaiz, on behalf of Shehbaz, argued that the LHC had granted interim bail to his client against surety bonds worth Rs500,000.

He said the surety bonds had been submitted but were not signed by Shehbaz yet.

The counsel stated that the PML-N president was scheduled to appear before the court for the signing of bonds on June 11 but could not do so after being infected with Covid-19.

To a court query, the National Accountability Bureau prosecutor stated that the anti-graft watchdog did not have objection over non-appearance of Shehbaz due to the virus.

Shehbaz’s counsel informed the court that doctors had advised his client to remain in isolation until he tested negative twice.

He pleaded the court to appoint a representative to obtain the PML-N president’s signature on surety bonds, or issue any other direction on the matter.

The court extended Shehbaz’s interim bail and adjourned the hearing of the case until June 29 and directed that the PML-N president should sign the surety bonds on the same date.

WITH INPUT FROM APP