IHC orders Nawaz to surrender
ISLAMABAD, September 01 (Online): Islamabad High Court (IHC) has ordered Nawaz Sharif to surrender before the court in Al-Azizia and Aven field references. Justice Amir Farooq remarked if Nawaz Sharif does not appear till the next hearing then proceedings for declaring him absconder will be initiated.
A two members bench of IHC comprising Justice Amir Farooq and Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani took up the case for hearing Tuesday. Khawaja Haris appeared on behalf of Nawaz Sharif and NAB prosecutor Jahanzeb represented NAB in the court.
Khawaja Haris told the court if court is summoning Nawaz Sharif then he can challenge Punjab government decision. Justice Amir remarked his right is not being encroached upon . He can challenge the decision .Defense counsel said Nawaz Sharif is not in such a condition that he could come to Pakistan. Matter of such nature is pending hearing with Lahore High Court.
Justice Amir Farooq remarked two appeals of Nawaz Sharif are pending hearing with us. Nawaz Sharif was granted bail for specific time. Punjab government rejected the plea for extension in the bail. Justice Amir Farooq inquired from Khawaja Haris what is status of Nawaz Sharif bail in Al-Azizia reference.
The defense counsel said Nawaz Sharif is not on bail at present. Nawaz Sharif went to London in connection with his treatment. . When Punjab government rejected Nawaz Sharif bail then he was under treatment at London. Medical Board had given opinion that Nawaz Sharif needs to go abroad immediately for want of facilities. Lahore High Court allowed Nawaz to go abroad. Punjab government too constituted board which said Nawaz Sharif treatment can not be done in Pakistan.
Shahbaz Sharif filed application in LHC. Nawaz and Shahbaz gave affidavit that Nawaz Sharif will return to Pakistan after his treatment. The court allowed Nawaz to go abroad for four weeks on the basis of affidavit. Khswaja Haris told the court Nawaz Sharif field all his medical reports with registrar high court.
Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani inquired if Nawaz Sharif is under treatment hospital. If he is under treatment in hospital then the situation is different. Khawaja Haris said Nawaz is not under treatment at hospital. If he is not under treatment in hospital then it does not mean that he is physically fit for travelling.
Justice Mohsin Akhtar remarked “ Nawaz Sharif will have to say he will return to Pakistan. Khawaja Haris said Nawaz Sharif will return to Pakistan when he recovers from ailment. Khawaja Haris said court can order Nawaz Sharif to appear and on the other side it can declare Nawaz absconder.
NAB prosecutor Jahanzeb Bharwana told the court Nawaz Sharif is not in jail. Representative too can not be appointed for him. Nawaz did not challenge the decision of Punjab government on rejection of his bail in any court. Court should declare Nawaz absconder.
Justice Amir Farooq remarked “court is not declaring Nawaz Sharif absconder at present. We are giving one chance to Nawaz Sharif to surrender. The hearing of the case was adjourned till September 10.
