Sharif deliberately skipping court appearance, IHC told

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) remarked on Tuesday that it would be ensured that every effort had been made to inform former prime minister Nawaz Sharif about the court’s order and asked the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) to provide judicial assistance in this regard.

A division bench, comprising Justice Amir Farooq and Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani, heard the NAB appeals in the Azizia and Avenfield references against Sharif. During the hearing, the Foreign Office submitted a report regarding the implementation of arrest warrants to the residence of Sharif abroad.

The Foreign Office informed the court that the former prime minister was fully aware of the court proceedings pertaining to Al-Azizia Steel Mills and Avenfield Apartments references against him and skipping his attendances deliberately.

It stated that the print and electronic media had also broadcast the news related to the publishing of advertisement in the media to summon former prime minister. It added that the notices had been received at the residence of Nawaz Sharif in London, which were served through the Royal Mail service.

Additional Attorney General Tariq Khokhar, Director European Affairs Mubashir Khan from the foreign ministry, Additional Prosecutor General Jahanzeb Bharwana and Deputy Prosecutor Sardar Muzaffar Abbasi, Assistant Directors Ijaz Khan and Tariq Masood from the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) Lahore appeared before the court.

During the course of proceeding, Khokhar said that the court order had been complied and two reports had been submitted. Advertisements of Sharif’s summons had been published in newspaper. The notices had also been displayed outside Lahore residence of Nawaz Sharif and the court, he added.

The NAB officials said that the statements of the officers who sent and pasted the advertisements should be recorded. The advertisement of the summons was published in London and Pakistani newspapers on October 19.

Justice Amir Farooq asked whether the statements of both the officers should be recorded on Tuesday. On which, the additional prosecutor general asked the court to record the statements of the officers as soon as it deems fit.

The additional attorney general requested the court that two weeks should be given for submission of complete documents and recording of the statement. Justice Amir Farooq said that it was not necessary to take such a long time to record the statement of the officers.

The court said that the statements of the officers would be recorded and it will be ensured that every effort had been made to inform Nawaz Sharif about the order. The additional prosecutor general should satisfy the court that whether Sharif will have the right to have a lawyer or not, the bench observed.

The court directed NAB to provide judicial assistance at the next hearing and adjourned the hearing till December 2. (WITH INPUT FROM APP)