Nawaz answers all questions, refuses to defend Al-Azizia reference

RAWALPINDI (92 News) – Disqualified prime minister Nawaz Sharif on Thursday, during hearing of the Al-Azizia Steel Mills case, answered all the questions and refused to present witness in his defence. The former prime minister appeared before Accountability Court in Al-Azizia Steel Mills reference. National Accountability Bureau (NAB) court Justice Mohammad Arshad heard the case. During the hearing, Nawaz Sharif said that the NAB prosecutor has failed to provide evidence to prove his indictment in the case. He also refused to present any witness in his defence. The court sought the final arguments from both the correspondents. The picture of former general Yahya during his tour in Ittefaq Foundry became part of the court record on request of Nawaz Sharif. The Pakistan Muslim League (PML-N) quid recorded his statement under section 342 of the Code of Criminal Procedure. Sharif told the court that cases were registered against him on the basis of statements given by his political rivals. “The case was filed against me after the joint investigation team prepared a one-sided and partial report in the case.” Earlier on November 19, the Supreme Court gave three weeks to the accountability court to wrap up graft references against Nawaz Sharif. The apex court issued the order in response to a request submitted by the accountability court seeking another extension to wind up Al-Azizia Steel Mills and Flagship Investment references against Nawaz Sharif. The order was issued by the two-member SC bench. In his order, CJP Mian Saqib Nisar stated that the Supreme Court would not grant further extension for completion of trial against the ex-PM.