ISLAMABAD: The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) on Tuesday presented before the accountability court two more of its witnesses, who testified against former PM Nawaz Sharif, his daughter Maryam Nawaz and son-law Captain (r) Muhammad Safdar in the corruption references filed against them by the anti-corruption watchdog on the Supreme Court’s July 28, 2017 orders.
Court judge Muhammad Bashir recorded the statements of two prosecution witnesses, who were later cross examined by Khawaja Haris Ahmad, senior counsel for Nawaz Sharif. The court allowed Afaq Ahmed to record his statement after obtaining the relevant record from the apex court.
During the hearing, Nawaz, Maryam and Safdar were present in the court. The witnesses who testified were: Nasir Junejo and Umar Daraz Gondal. A third witness, Afaq Ahmad, could not record his statement as he had been unable to obtain some relevant documents from the SC. Nasir Junejo recorded his statement in Flagship Investment Ltd, whereas Umar Daraz Gondal recorded his statement in two other references. During the cross examination, a heated exchange of words took place between the NAB prosecutors and Khawaja Haris.
Meanwhile, the court directed NAB to produce three more witnesses on next hearing and adjourned the proceedings till January 23.
The Islamabad district administration and police had made strict security arrangements in and around the accountability court ahead of Nawaz Sharif and his family members’ appearance.
Nawaz Sharif was received by a number of cabinet members, leaders of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and supporters at his arrival at the accountability court.
The SC in its July 28, 2017 verdict in Panama Papers case had disqualified Nawaz Sharif as prime minister and directed NAB to file three corruption references against him and his family members within six weeks and the accountability court wrap up the proceedings within six months.
Nawaz is accused in three references, which include Jeddah based Al-Azizia Steel Mills, offshore companies including Flagship Investments Ltd, and Avenfield properties in London. Maryam and Safdar are accused only in the Avenfield properties reference.
Published in Daily Times, January 17th 2018.
