NAB postpones Maryam's hearing after clash between outraged PML-N workers, police

PML-N workers pelted stones at police officials, tried to break barriers outside NAB office.

LAHORE (Dunya News) – A clash erupted between outraged Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) workers and police Tuesday as party’s vice-president Maryam Nawaz reached the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) office in a case pertaining to illegal transfer of 180 acres of land in Raiwind.

According to details, PML-N workers – who accompanied Maryam Nawaz from Jati Umrah to the NAB office in a convoy – pelted stones at police officials and tried to break the barriers outside the anti-corruption watchdog’s office.

In retaliation, the police resorting to aerial firing, shelling and baton charge to disperse the infuriated crowd. Several protesters including women were arrested.

Maryam Nawaz’s Statement

Maryam Nawaz left the NAB office premises without appearing before the accountability bureau and then came back for the second time. She talked to media before leaving eventually.

“Police threw stones at my car which broke its screen. I am here to give answers to the NAB questions. Why did you summon me if you are so scared? Now have some courage to listen to me,” the PML-N vice-president said.

Hearing Postponed

Following the violent situation, the National Accountability Bureau postponed Maryam Nawaz’s hearing and decided to file cases against the demonstrators. Gates of the NAB office had been closed.

The NAB said in its declaration that Maryam Nawaz was summoned in personal capacity to record her statement but her party workers got involved in hooliganism at the time of appearance.

The anti-graft body had summoned details from the PML-N vice-president about her source of income through which she purchased the aforementioned land and the taxes that she paid.

The PML-N leadership completed consultations on legal matters and decided that Maryam Nawaz will present her stance before the anti-corruption watchdog.

Reactions

CM Buzdar Takes Notice

Chief Minister of Punjab Sardar Usman Buzdar took notice of the violent clash and directed the Chief Secretary and Inspector General of Police (IGP) to submit report of the incident. The CM said that no one will be allowed to break the law and vowed strict action against those involved in the clash.

Raja Basharat

Punjab Law Minister Raja Basharat said that arrival of Maryam in a convoy was a planned move to disrupt investigation by the NAB. He further said that authorities have footage of vehicles that were used to pelt stones and government has asked the Excise Department to provide details of these vehicles.

Fayyaz-ul-Hassan Chohan

Punjab Information Minister Fayyaz-ul-Hassan Chohan talked exclusively to Dunya News and said Maryam Nawaz displayed stubbornness instead of answering her corruption and PML-N workers brought stones in bags. Sharif family and PML-N leaders cannot escape accountability by conducting rallies.

PML-N Leaders

PML-N President Shehbaz Sharif condemned the incident of pelting stones and teargas shelling at the workers on the occasion of Maryam Nawaz’s appearance.

In a statement, Shehbaz Sharif deplored NAB-Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan nexus and blamed them behind the mishap. The government is taking political revenge from PML-N, he added.

PML-N spokesperson Marriyum Aurangzeb said that no one can stop the people from supporting the right party. The authorities cannot shatter the courage of PML-N activists by torturing them, she added.

Former Punjab law minister Rana Sanaullah alleged the police of thrashing peaceful workers and throwing chemical water at them.

Bilawal Bhutto Zardari

Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto also condemned the unnecessary use of force, teargas and stone pelting on Maryam Nawaz and her party workers by police in Lahore.

Case Background

Maryam Nawaz was summoned by the NAB for interrogation regarding her 180-acre property in Raiwind and a summons was sent to her residence at Jati Umrah directing her to appear before the bureau on August 11.

The property was transferred in the name of Maryam Nawaz in 2014 whereas 100 kanals each were transferred to former prime minister Nawaz Sharif and erstwhile Punjab CM Shehbaz Sharif – father and uncle of Maryam.

Reportedly, the rules and regulations of the Lahore Development Authority (LDA) were ignored while transferring the lands. The property was declared as green land to stop construction around the Sharif family’s terrain.