IHC restores Nawaz Sharif’s appeals in Avenfield, Al-Azizia references

F.P. Report

ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Tuesday approved former prime minister Nawaz Sharif’s petitions seeking the restoration of appeals against his conviction in the Al-Azizia and Avenfield references.

A two-member bench of the Islamabad High Court, with Chief Justice Aamer Farooq presiding, conducted the hearing.

During the proceedings, the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) prosecutor general presented his arguments before the bench.

The court had sought reply from the 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.

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.