IHC to resume hearing Sharif's pleas for revival of appeals in Avenfield, Al-Azizia references
Pakistan
PML-N leader’s appeals will be taken up by the court at 2:30 pm today
ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – The Islamabad High Court (IHC) will take up today Pakistan Muslim League – Nawaz (PMN-N) leader and former prime minister Nawaz Sharif’s petitions seeking revival of his appeals in Avenfield and Al-Azizia references.
A two-member IHC bench headed by Chief Justice Aamer Farooq will conduct hearing of the pleas. Nawaz Sharif will appear in court along with his lawyers. Strict security arrangement have been made on the occasion.
The court had sought reply from National Accountability Bureau (NAB) on appeal filed by elder Sharif. The court had extended protective bails of PML-N leader till October 26.
On the other hand, Registrar office has also issued a security circular regarding Sharif’s court hearing. As per circular, Sharif’s appeals will be taken up by the court at 2:30 pm today. Special passes will be issued to enter the courtroom.
Sharif’s legal team will be allowed to bring 15 people in the court whereas 10 passes will be issued to law officers and 30 to journalists.
Advocates Gulzar Ahmad and Zahoor Ahmad filed petitions in the court requesting it to restore appeals of PML-N leader in Avenfield and Al-Azizia references.
The former prime minister had signed the petitions at Islamabad airport for revival of appeals. The lawyers had also made arrangements at Islamabad airport for biometric verification of PML-N supremo Sharif.
Former prime minister Sharif was convicted in Avenfield and Al-Azizia references. An accountability court, in Avenfield reference, had awarded Sharif 10-year imprisonment, besides imposing 8 million pounds fine.
In Alazizia reference, the accountability court had declared Sharif guilty of charges and handed down seven-year imprisonment, apart from declaring him disqualified for a period of 10 years for any public office.
Later, a two-member bench of the Islamabad High Court had heard appeals of former prime minister Nawaz Sharif. Due to Sharif’s longer stay in London, the IHC, in June 2021, had disposed of his appeals. Justice Aamer Farooq and Mohsin Akhtar Kayani had disposed of appeals as petitioner did not attend court hearings.
