Flagship case: NAB court expresses anger over Nawaz’s absence

ISLAMABAD (92 News) – The Accountability Court on Monday expressed anger over the absence of disqualified prime minister Nawaz Sharif and his counsel Khawaja Haris from today's hearing of Flagship reference. Accountability Court II Judge Arshad Malik heard the Flagship Investment reference against the Nawaz Sharif. During the hearing, Nawaz Sharif and Khawaja Haris did not appear before court. To this, NAB prosecutor Muzaffar Abbasi said that Nawaz did not file a request for exemption from the hearing; hence, non-bailable arrest warrants should be issued for Nawaz on his no-show today. In response, the deputy counsel said, “I do not want to use such words.” The deputy counsel also informed the court that Haris is not well. Justice Arshad expressed anger and remarked that what they want. “Neither the suspect nor the counsel are present. Am I supposed to wait all day?” Judge Malik asked. “I adjourned hearings of other cases to hear yours, please tell me what you all want,” he further remarked. Judge Malik added, “I will write down an order and then you all keep challenging it.” “Nawaz did not appear for the hearing as there was a misunderstanding owing to different dates fixed for hearings of Al-Azizia and Flagship Investment references,” the deputy counsel informed the court. “If the court allows, Nawaz can appear in the next two to three hours,” he added. The court then adjourned the hearing of the case till October 4.