IHC to hear Sharif’s appeals against conviction today

In case of absence, PML-N supremo to be declared proclaimed offender

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) will hear former premier Nawaz Sharif’s appeals against his conviction in the Avenfield and Al-Azizia references on Tuesday (today).

The court had already summoned Sharif through an advertisement. The time period for the PML-N supremo to surrender before the court expires today.

A two-member bench of the IHC comprising Justice Aamir Farooq and Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kiyani will hear Sharif's appeals against his sentence.

The NAB's appeal against the PML-N chief’s acquittal in Flagship reference will also be heard.

The court has also fixed NAB’s appeal demanding extension in the PML-N supreme leader’s sentence announced by an accountability court in Al-Azizia Steel Mills for today.

In case of Sharif's absence, the court would declare him a proclaimed offender and order attachment of his properties.

The same bench will also hear the petition seeking investigation on Sharif's medical report.

The court had granted an eight-week bail to Sharif last year in Al-Azizia reference on medical grounds which lapsed in February.

The reference pertains to the Sharifs being unable to justify the source of funds used for setting up Al-Azizia Steel Mills and Hill Metal Establishment in Saudi Arabia, making it a case of owning assets beyond means.

Accountability Court judge Arshad Malik, who was removed for misconduct on December 24, had convicted Sharif in Al-Azizia Steel Mills reference and imposed a fine of Rs1.5 billion and $25 million on him. A 10-year disqualification from holding a public office was also part of the sentence.

The disqualification would go into effect following Sharif’s release from jail after serving the seven-year sentence.