SC extends deadline for completion of trial in NAB cases against Nawaz till Dec 24

Dunya News

The time period to complete the cases has been extended for the seventh time.

ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – Supreme Court on Friday extended the deadline for accountability court to complete hearing of Al-Aziziz and Flagship references against former prime minister and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supremo Nawaz Sharif till December 24.

A two judge-bench of the apex court headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Justice Mian Saqib Nisar heard the accountability court’s plea seeking another extension in the references against the PML-N supremo.

During the proceedings, the CJP while extending the deadline expressed resentment for seeking extension again and again.

The top court ordered the accountability court to complete the trials of Al-Aziziz and Flagship references before the December 24 deadline.

Justice Ijazul Hassan asked Khawaja Harris, the counsel of Nawaz Sharif till when he would complete his cross examination to which he said that he would complete his arguments till December 17.

The court then ordered Khawaja Harris to complete the arguments till December 17 and also ordered the accountability court to announce judgementg till December 24.

The time period to complete the cases has been extended for the seventh time.

On October 12, SC had granted accountability court an extension in deadline to conclude trials in Al-Azizia Steel Mills and Flagship Investments references against Sharif family till November 17.

It is worth mentioning here that the cases against Nawaz family stemmed from the Panama Papers leak that disclosed expensive and undeclared property allegedly owned by them in London.

Former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, Maryam Nawaz and Captain Safdar were convicted and sentenced to prison for ten years, seven years and one year respectively in Avenfield verdict. However, the convictions were suspended by Islamabad High Court and they were released from Adiala jail till final decision.

Maryam Nawaz and Captain (r) Safdar, who were candidates for the general elections 2018, were also disqualified from contesting the polls for 10 years each.