ISLAMABAD: Islamabad High Court (IHC) approved former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s petitions seeking restoration of appeals against his conviction in Al-Azizia and Avenfield references.

Two-member bench of Islamabad High Court, with Chief Justice Aamer Farooq presiding conducted hearing. During proceedings, National Accountability Bureau prosecutor general presented his arguments before court.

NAB Prosecutor General contended that reference could only be withdrawn if verdict had not been pronounced. He explained that NAB had thoroughly examined pending cases, and expressed desire to present some facts concerning Avenfield before court. Prosecutor general stated that Avenfield reference had been filed in accordance with apex court’s decision, which not only directed case’s filing, but also established joint investigation team.

He noted that JIT had recommended two references, Avenfield and Al-Azizia, and these references were currently in appeal stage, making it impossible to withdraw them at this juncture. Prosecutor General argued that certain media statements had given false impression that NAB had relinquished its authority. He emphasised that once an appeal was filed, it must be adjudicated and could not be dismissed solely on grounds of non-compliance.

He asserted that if these appeals were restored, they would need to be decided after thorough examination of merits and NAB would present its arguments accordingly. In response to this, Justice Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb inquired whether prosecutor general would argue in favour of decision.

Advocate Amjad Pervaiz mentioned that court’s verdict had stated that appeals could not be decided without discussing role of Nawaz Sharif and that NAB had failed to establish any connection between Sharif and Avenfield apartments. Justice Aurangzeb pointed out that NAB had not yet challenged acquittal of co-accused, Maryam Nawaz. Court was informed that when flats were purchased, Maryam Nawaz aged around 18 years.

When former Law Minister and PML-N leader Azam Nazir Tarar raised concerns about potential impact on an application for protective bail if appeals were restored, Chief Justice Aamer Farooq noted that court would carefully consider its decision. Court first reserved verdict on Nawaz Sharif’s petitions, but announced it while later, restoring appeals against his conviction in Al-Azizia and Avenfield references.

Published in The Daily National Courier, October, 27 2023

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