LHC issues notice to NAB on CM's plea for refund

The Lahore High Court (LHC) has issued a notice to the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) and sought its reply on a petition filed by Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, seeking the refund of Rs70 million deposited as guarantee in the Chaudhry Sugar Mills case.

A three-judge full bench headed by Chief Justice Aalia Neelum heard the petition. Justice Jawad Zafar and Justice Abhar Gul Khan were also part of the bench.

During the hearing, NAB's counsel informed the court that the case had been closed by the bureau as baseless.

The chief justice asked whether the case had also been formally concluded by the relevant trial court.

Responding to the query, the NAB lawyer stated that under the law, approval from the trial court was not required.

However, Chief Justice Aalia Neelum observed that although NAB had closed the case, final approval from the trial court was necessary.

The court directed NAB to submit a detailed reply by February 4.

The petitioner had contended that the Chaudhry Sugar Mills case had been terminated and declared unfounded by NAB, and, therefore, the amount deposited as guarantee should be returned to her.