Prosecution to present arguments in sugar mills case

Key witness in Ramzan Sugar Mills case submits affidavit

LAHORE:

An Anti-Terrorism Court has directed the prosecution to present its arguments by February 3 on the acquittal applications of Prime Minister Mian Shehbaz Sharif and his son Hamza Shehbaz in the Ramzan Sugar Mills case.

The case pertains to the alleged construction of a drain in Chiniot district, which was purportedly built to benefit a sugar mill owned by the prime minister's family, resulting in a claimed loss of Rs213 million to the national exchequer.

The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) initially filed the reference in 2018, accusing Shehbaz Sharif, in his capacity as the then-chief minister of Punjab, and Hamza Shehbaz of misusing their authority. However, the case took a new turn on January 28 when the complainant retracted his allegations and denied any connection to the case.

During the court proceedings, the judge inquired about Hamza Shehbaz's absence, to which his counsel, Amjad Pervez, responded that he was abroad due to his daughter's health issues.

The complainant, when cross-examined, stated that he had never filed any complaint against Shehbaz Sharif or his son.

He further asserted that the drain was constructed for public benefit by a former MPA and was utilized by nearby residential areas.

The defense counsel argued that the construction of the drain was not a personal directive from Shehbaz Sharif but was instead approved by the Punjab Assembly as part of broader development works.

He further contended that no substantial evidence existed to prove that the drain was specifically built to benefit Ramzan Sugar Mills.

Citing the complainant's affidavit, which stated that he had no knowledge of or involvement in the case, the defense maintained that there was no justification for continuing the proceedings.

Following these arguments, the court adjourned the hearing until February 3, directing the prosecution to present its case.