Flagship case: IHC hears NAB’s appeal against Nawaz’s acquittal

ISLAMABAD (92 News) – The Islamabad High Court (IHC) heard an appeal filed by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) against acquittal of former premier Nawaz Sharif in the flagship reference on Tuesday (today). A two-member bench comprising of Justice Amir Farooq and Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kiyani will resume the hearing. The bench decided for issuing a notice to the former prime minister on the petition filed by the NAB. On Jan 2, the anti-graft watchdog body had filed a petition in the IHC against the acquittal of Nawaz Sharif in the Flagship reference. It stated that tangible proofs of Nawaz Sharif’s corruption were provided in the Flagship reference. “It is against law to acquit Nawaz Sharif by giving him the benefit of doubt. The court should sentence Nawaz Sharif on the basis of evidence against him,” it contended. The petition further stated that the NAB had proved the case against Nawaz Sharif and on proving corruption, the sentence is 14 years under the NAB Ordinance. It prayed to the court to nullify the verdict acquitting Nawaz Sharif. Last year on Dec 24, Nawaz given 7-year sentence in Al-Azizia, acquitted in Flagship reference by an accountability court. The court also fined him Rs1.5 billion and US $25 million in the Al-Azizia reference. A disqualification of 10 years from holding any public office is part of the sentences awarded to the former premier. The disqualification will go into effect following his release from jail after serving the seven-year sentence.