Nawaz, Abbasi submit their reply in high treason case

LAHORE (92 News) – Disqualified prime minister Nawaz Sharif and former prime minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi including other respondents on Monday submitted their replies in the LHC over high treason case. A three-member bench of the LHC headed by Justice Mazahar Ali Naqvi and comprising Justice Atir Mahmood and Justice Chaudhry Masood Jahangir heard the treason petition against Abbasi, Nawaz and journalist Cyril Almeida. During the hearing, former PM Abbasi appeared before the bench today but Nawaz failed to appear before court. Expressing anger, Justice Mazahar Ali Naqvi asked why Nawaz did not appear in court and remarked that he should have been present for the hearing. Nawaz’s counsel, Naseer Bhutta responded, “You had summoned a reply which has been submitted.” Justice Naqvi then stated, “Look Abbasi respects the courts and is present today.” To reply, Bhutta said that Nawaz did not appear today and this does not mean that he does not respect the courts.” The head of the three-judge bench then stated, “If Nawaz could not appear today for whatever reason, then you should have submitted a petition.” Responding to the judge, Nawaz’s counsel said, “During the first hearing I got the impression that my client only has to appear once.” At this, Justice Naqvi remarked, “It is fine that you got the wrong impression, but next time a petition should be submitted over failure to appear in court.” The LHC adjourned a high treason case against former prime ministers Nawaz Sharif and Shahid Khaqan Abbasi till November 12. The petition, lodged by Advocate Azhar Siddiqui, alleges that Abbasi shared crucial details of the National Security Council (NSC) meeting with Nawaz following his statements on the 26/11 Mumbai attacks.