Security beefed up ahead of verdicts against Nawaz in AlAzizia, Flagship

LAHORE (92 News) – The security has been beefed up in Islamabad ahead of announcement of verdicts by the accountability court on December 24 (tomorrow) in two references Al-Azizia and Flagship against former prime minister Nawaz Sharif. Accountability Court Judge Arshad Malik will announce the verdict on Monday which he reserved on Dec 19 after both defence and prosecution sides completed their final arguments in the cases. The verdict will be announced in presence of Nawaz Sharif in the court room. If the punishment awarded to the former premier, he would be sent to jail directly from the court. It was reported that the security enhancement plan includes deployment of heavy contingent of security forces including rangers and 1,000 police officers, particularly around the court’s premises in Islamabad to avoid any possible untoward situation. However, only Sharif and his lawyers will be allowed to enter the court room. The Pakistan Muslim League-N supporters may try to resist and create chaos over verdict against Nawaz Sharif. Judge pronounced the indictment of Nawaz Sharif, in which, he mentioned, “Mian Saheb you made “benamidaar” properties for his sons in Saudi Arabia and UK. That time Hassan and Hussain Nawaz has no income sources, actually you are the real owner of those properties and these assets do not comply with sources of income.” According to the Section 9 A (5), If the crime was found, Nawaz Sharif could be imprisoned maximum for 14 years and the property can also be confiscated and penalized. The minimum punishment is depended on the court’s choice. Over the course of the trial, the PML-N supreme leader defended the accusation of being real owner and beneficiary of the offshore properties, which he maintained belongs to his sons Hassan and Hussain Nawaz. He said the Joint Investigation Team (JIT), tasked to probe his wealth, had declared him as the real owner of Al-Azizia Steel Mills and Hill Metals Establishment, but he was not the owner nor was a he “benamidaar” of both the properties. It is pertinent to mention here that the birthday of PML-N quid would be on December 25; however, everyone is waiting to hear the announcement to see he would celebrate his birthday in prison or with family.