Money laundering case: Court declares Shehbaz's wife Nusrat as proclaimed offender
30-day deadline that was given to Nusrat Shahbaz to appear before the court has expired: Judge
LAHORE (Dunya News) – Accountability court on Tuesday has declared Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) president Shehbaz Sharif’s wife Nusrat Shahbaz as proclaimed offender in money laundering case.
During the hearing, the judge said the 30-day deadline that was given to Nusrat Shahbaz to appear before the court has expired. Accused have to present arguments on the testimonies of National Accountability Bureau’s (NAB) witnesses by themselves now, the judge remarked.
On the occasion, Shehbaz Sharif said that he was selected as Punjab Chief Minister three times to work for the prosperity of the province. I served the nation with honesty and sincerity, he added.
Shehbaz Sharif said he has never taken salary from the government for holding public office.
Meanwhile, the court expressed resentment and asked why the physiotherapist has not been provided to the PML-N president.
Previously, the anti-graft watchdog had presented its three witnesses before the court for testimonies.
Hamza, Shehbaz Sharif indicted in money laundering reference
On November 11, Mian Shehbaz Sharif and his son Hamza Shehbaz Sharif were indicted in money laundering reference by accountability court.
All the accused in the case pleaded not guilty. Shehbaz Sharif, while rejecting allegations of the anti-graft watchdog, said that he was being politically victimized.
Approver Yasir records statement against Shehbaz Sharif family
Approver Yasir Mushtaq had recorded his statement in connection with money laundering case against the family of Shehbaz Sharif.
The approver told that he was directed by Sharif family’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to turn the black money worth Rs 60 crore into white.
Chief financial officer (CFO) had told to use bank account of Mushtaq and Company for telegraphic transfer (TT), he added.
NAB arrests Shehbaz Sharif in money laundering case
On September 28, National Accountability Bureau (NAB) team had arrested Shehbaz Sharif in money laundering case after Lahore High Court (LHC) rejected his bail plea.
A two-member bench of the Lahore High Court comprising Justice Sardar Ahmed Naeem and Justice Farooq Haider heard the plea, during which Shehbaz Sharif’s lawyer presented his arguments.
Counsel of PML-N President argued that Shehbaz Sharif saved over Rs1,000 billion of national exchequer and never received his pay as a member of National Assembly.
No evidence was available against Shehbaz Sharif in money laundering case and none of the witnesses accused PML-N leader of the ill practice, he added.
Bailable arrest warrants issued for Shehbaz‘s wife, daughter
Accountability court had issued bailable arrest warrants for Shehbaz Sharif’s wife Nusrat Shahbaz and his daughter Rabia Imran over continuous absence in money laundering case.
The accountability judge has directed Nusrat Shahbaz and Rabia Imran to attend the hearings at any cost.
While talking to media outside the court, Shehbaz Sharif said that the incumbent government of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) was taking political revenge from PML-N leaders. I have always served the people of Punjab with sincerity, he added.
Money laundering case: Investigation report from Sharif family CFO submitted
According to the NAB investigation report, Chief Financial Officer of Sharif family Muhammad Usman laundered money for the Shehbaz family.
Muhammad Usman started working for the Sharif family in 2005 at Ramzan Sugar Mills for Rs 90,000 per month. In 2006, the Nawaz family acquired Hudaibiya Engineering from the Shehbaz family and in 2007, the Shehbaz family made more companies, including the Sharif Feed Mill, to expand their business.
The bank accounts of Shehbaz Sharif’s wife Nusrat Shehbaz and his sons were used for foreign remittances and loans. On the direction of Salman, Waqar Trading Company made fake foreign remittances of Rs 600 million.
The entire amount was transferred to Salman Shehbaz’s personal account via cheque but it is not known where Salman receives his money from.
