The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) has completed its preparations to challenge bails granted to the Sharif family by Islamabad High Court (IHC) in Avenfield reference.
According to reports, the anti-corruption watchdog is expected to file a petition in the Supreme Court against the decision of IHC granting bails to ousted premier Nawaz Sharif, his daughter Maryam Nawaz and son-in-law Captain (r) Safdar.
The anti-graft body has received a copy of IHC’s detailed judgment over suspension of sentences of the accused in Avenfield reference.
Keeping the legal flaws of IHC’s judgement in consideration, the petition will be filed by the NAB.
The officials of the anti-corruption watchdog have directed their prosecution team to fight the case.
On Wednesday, the Islamabad High Court Wednesday issued a detailed judgement regarding its September 19 order suspending the imprisonment of Nawaz Sharif, Maryam Nawaz and Captain (r) Safdar in the Avenfield corruption reference.
The 41-page detailed verdict of the IHC, written by Justice Athar Minallah, read, “In hindsight, the sentences awarded to the suspects cannot hold for a long time. The accountability court which awarded the sentences did not state how or refer to evidence regarding how Maryam assisted Nawaz in the purchase of the Avenfield apartments.”
The judgment added, “The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) mostly relied on Panama Papers case to argue their points against suspension in sentences.”
Justice Athar Minallah argued, “Suspects were also indicted under NAB ordinance Section 9(a)(iv) but a trial court acquitted them under the same. However, the prosecution did not challenge the acquittal.”
“Court findings are not final and our opinions or observations will not influence the appeals,” the judgment further remarked.
Published in Daily Times, September 5th 2018.
