Accountability court indicts Shehbaz, Hamza in Ramzan Sugar Mills case

Both plead not guilty

LAHORE:

An accountability court in Lahore on Thursday indicted Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) President Shehbaz Sharif and Opposition Leader in the Punjab Assembly Hamza Shehbaz in the Ramzan Sugar Mills (RSM) case.

Judge Amjad Nazir Chaudhry presided the RSM reference hearing wherein Shehbaz’s counsel, Amjad Pervez, prayed upon the court that President Arif Alvi has convened a joint session of the Parliament today, thus his client should be allowed attend and not be indicted.

To this, the court remarked that Shehbaz to be indicted "thus he has to remain here". Meanwhile, the court inquired about the whereabouts of Hamza from the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) representative.

“He is on his way,” NAB replied.

The court remarked that it will begin the proceedings as soon Hamza arrives.

Talking to the senior judge, Shehbaz said that he was ready to obey the court’s order. “I have to go to Islamabad, I have back pain and I cannot stand for a long period of time.”

Shehbaz’s counsel said that his client had appeared before the court for record purposes whereas arguments have yet to be given regarding the indictment. He added that the case is based on "malice" and he should be given a chance to prepare the case.

The court replied that they had given a lot of opportunities and that the accused will be charged today. “Give the arguments”.

The AC indicted both Shehbaz and Hamza during today RSM case proceedings. Both pleaded not guilty after which the court summoned NAB’s witness for the next hearing.

“I started initiated projects worth trillions of rupees and had not even used the government’s fuel allowance for even a single rupee,” Shehbaz said, “I swear to God that I have worked in good faith. Now they are trapping me and it was my duty to serve the people. I did no favours."