LAHORE: An accountability court on Friday granted Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Vice President Maryam Nawaz and former prime minister Nawaz Sharif an exemption from court appearance in the ongoing Chaudhry Sugar Mills (CSM) case.
While Nawaz has been granted an exemption for four weeks, his daughter has been granted an exemption from court appearances until a reference in the case is filed.
A number of PML-N workers were gathered as Maryam arrived at the court accompanied by her husband, Captain retired Muhammad Safdar.
Maryam Nawaz Sharif Returns From Accountability Court.#NawazShareef #Norway #AUSvsPAK #JummahMubarak#FridayMotivation #Hero_of_Muslim_ummah pic.twitter.com/oxS4Ii1Vjb
— Aaira Khan (@AairaKhaan) November 22, 2019
During the proceedings, accountability court judge Chaudhry Ameer Mohammad Khan asked the NAB prosecutor Hafiz Asadullah Awan regarding the status of the reference in the CSM case, in response to which he said that the investigation was underway and as soon as it is completed, a reference will be filed.
Maryam, who appeared in court, submitted an application to be given exemption from court appearances until the filing of the reference. Another application was submitted seeking an exemption for Nawaz’s attendance in the proceedings.
Maryam’s lawyer Advocate Amjad Pervez added that whenever his client has to appear before the court, the roads have to be closed.
Opposing the application, the NAB prosecutor said that Maryam has to appear in court as per law, adding that the bureau would submit a written response to the application.
Pervez said NAB had not even filed a supplementary reference and inquired why the suspects needed to be summoned. He said as per criminal law, until a chalaan is not received, suspects do not need to appear before the court.
Earlier this month, the Lahore High Court (LHC) had granted Maryam bail in the case.
Ordering NAB to speedily submit a reference in the case, the court adjourned proceedings until December 6. Additionally, the judicial remand for Maryam’s cousin, Yousuf Abbas Sharif, was also extended until the next hearing.
NAB suspects Maryam of involvement in money laundering through investments of variable heavy amounts being the main shareholder of the Mills. It has been alleged that she was involved in money laundering with the help of some foreigners during the period of 1992-93 when her father was the prime minister.
