The Islamabad High Court has extended the hearing on appeals against the sentences in former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s Avenfield Apartments and Al-Azizia Steel Mills references until Monday. Chief Justice Aamer Farooq inquired how much time would be required to complete the evidence, to which Nawaz Sharif’s counsel, Azam Nazir Tarar, responded that they would conclude within four to six hours. However, the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) prosecutor insisted on a two-day timeframe.
During the hearing, Chief Justice Aamer Farooq remarked that no arguments on merit have been heard in the Al-Azizia case against Nawaz Sharif. He added that if needed, the court would conduct daily hearings to avoid any delay in the proceedings. The division bench, consisting of Chief Justice Aamer Farooq and Justice Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb, will continue the hearing on Monday.
Former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif appeared before the court with his legal team, including Azam Nazir Tarar, along with Deputy Prosecutor General NAB Naeem Tariq, Afzal Qureshi, and Rafaqat Maqsood. Azam Nazir Tarar stated that appeals have been filed in the Avenfield Apartments and Al-Azizia references, and preparations for today’s hearing have been made specifically for the Avenfield appeal.
The Chief Justice questioned Nawaz Sharif’s lawyers about the time required for evidence presentation. Azam Nazir Tarar assured the court that they would complete their arguments in four to six hours. However, NAB prosecutor Naeem Tariq insisted on a longer duration.
During the proceedings, Azam Nazir Tarar emphasized that the Avenfield reference appeal was based on merit, and they were ready to present evidence. Chief Justice Aamer Farooq inquired about the time needed, and Azam Nazir Tarar requested a two-day timeframe.
The extension of the hearing indicates the complexity of the legal battle surrounding Nawaz Sharif’s references, with both sides gearing up for a thorough presentation of their arguments in the upcoming sessions.
