IHC issues notices to NAB on Nawaz Sharif’s protective bail pleas

ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Wednesday issued notices to the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) on Wednesday in response to two petitions filed by PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif. These petitions seek protective bail in the Avenfield and Al-Azizia cases.

IHC Chief Justice Aamer Farooq and Justice Mian Gul Hassan Aurangzeb conducted the proceedings. Lawyers Azam Nazir Tarar and Amjad Pervaiz represented Sharif.

During the hearing, Pervaiz emphasised that Sharif intended to surrender, adding that he sought to do so in accordance with the court’s directive. Responding to an inquiry about Sharif’s current legal status from Chief Justice Farooq, Pervaiz highlighted that while Sharif was technically a fugitive, there were existing court decisions that provided legal protection for his planned surrender.

Drawing parallels, Pervaiz cited a previous decision made by the court in a case involving the chairman of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), further specifying the case of Asma Alamgir. However, Tarar intervened, noting that the circumstances in Sharif’s case were different.

As the proceedings continued, Pervaiz read out decisions in front of the court and emphasised that Sharif had always presented himself before the court, irrespective of the cases against him. He also defended the integrity of his client, stating that Sharif never misused the bails granted by any court in the country.

A sharp observation came from Justice Aurangzeb, who commented on the High Court’s earlier dismissal of a non-compliance appeal, suggesting Pervaiz was indirectly criticising the court’s actions.

Inquiring about Sharif’s imminent return to Pakistan, the court was informed by Tarar that the former Prime Minister would be landing in Islamabad on October 21.

A representative from the National Accountability Bureau (NAB), present at the hearing, made it clear that they had no objections to Sharif’s return.

Earlier, former Prime Minister of Pakistan, Nawaz Sharif, had filed for protective bail as he prepares to return to Pakistan after four years of self-imposed exile in the United Kingdom.

The filings, submitted ahead of his arrival in Islamabad on October 21, aim to offer Sharif legal protection against potential arrest.

The applications have been filed in the Al-Azizia and Avenfield cases and states that Sharif intends to appear before the court in the reference immediately upon return, so he should not be arrested before the court appearance.

Sources close to Sharif’s legal team shared that the pleas are a precautionary measure, bearing in mind the former Prime Minister’s past legal encounters.

Sharif’s appeals were previously shelved by the Islamabad High Court in June 2021, owing to his prolonged stay in London.

Sharif’s planned return is set against a backdrop of political ferment. A massive gathering is anticipated in Lahore, where the former PM is slated to address the public.

Political analysts speculate that his return signifies a strategic move to lead the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) in the upcoming elections. This is especially crucial given the party’s dwindling position, especially on its home turf in Punjab.

The applicant has requested for the hearing on the applications today.

During the hearing, on NAB prosecutor’s statement, Justice Mian Gul Hassan remarked “You have no objection to granting protective bail. But will you say that we should declare the decision as void? Then you can ask the NAB chairman if they can decide the appeal today.”

To this, the NAB prosecutor explained: “When the appeal is fixed, at that time, we will argue after taking instructions along with evidence.

He said that the NAB chairman is currently out of the country.