Avenfield review petition: Maryam, Safdar's case separated from Nawaz Sharif

ISLAMABAD (92 News) – The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has separated the case of PML-N vice president Maryam Nawaz and Captain (rtd) Safdar from former premier Nawaz Sharif's appeal in the Avenfield reference. Maryam Nawaz along with her husband Safdar arrived at the IHC for the hearing of their appeals in the Avenfield reference. During the hearing , the court separated Maryam and Safdar's case from the appeal of Nawaz Sharif and adjourned the hearing till September 23. Many PML-N leaders and workers have gathered outside the court to show their support for Maryam. Strict security arrangements have been made. Rangers, Anti-Terrorism Force, and FC personnel have been deployed near the court, and the roads leading to the court have been closed for traffic. The PML-N workers were raising slogans in favour of their party leaders. On the appearance of Maryam Nawaz in court, more than hundreds police personnel have been deployed to resist any untoward situation. However, the Rangers personnel were also assigned duty inside the court building. The area around the court was sealed during the appearance of Maryam Nawaz and Captain (rtd) Safdar. The entry of non-relevant persons, including PML-N workers and supporters, will not be allowed inside the courtroom. The party workers will be kept away from the IHC building. Earlier, the PML-N workers welcomed the convoy of Maryam Nawaz, which came from Muree,  at Bara Kahu. She replied the PML-N workers after coming out from her car. Nawaz Sharif had sought exemption from attending the hearing, while Maryam and Safdar had filed a request for adjournment. All three — Nawaz, Maryam and Safdar — are out on bail in the case. Earlier in July 2018, Nawaz had been sentenced to a total of 11 years in prison and slapped with an £8 million fine (Rs1.3 billion) in the Avenfield properties reference while Maryam was sentenced to eight years with a £2 million fine (Rs335 million). The Avenfield properties reference was one of three filed by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) the preceding year in light of the Supreme Court's verdict against Nawaz in the Panama Papers case. The reference pertained to the ownership of the Sharif family's apartments at Avenfield House, London.