Treason case: LHC summons Nawaz Sharif on October 8

LAHORE (92 News) – The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Monday summoned disqualified prime minister Nawaz Sharif on October 8 in high treason case. A three-member bench headed by Justice Mazahar Ali Naqvi heard the treason petition against former prime ministers Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, Nawaz and journalist Cyril Almeida.  Shahid Khaqan Abbasi presented before court while Nawaz and Almedia were absent. During conversation with the defence counsel Advocate Naseer Bhutta, the justice asked, “You appeared before court and mark attendance but u did not come to attend the hearing again.” Naseer Bhutta informed the court that Nawaz was unable to appear before it as people were frequently visiting him to condole the passing of his wife Begum Kulsoom. The court expressed anger over absence of journalist Cyril Almeaida, remarking that once the appearance should be assured and then adopt the procedure of law. The defence counsel further requested the court to fix the hearing for a date after his wife's ‘chaliswan’ (forty days of mourning). Accepting to the postponement request, Justice Naqvi fixed the hearing for October 8. The court summoned Nawaz to appear before court personally at the next hearing. The court issued non-bailable arrest warrants for Cyril Almeida and directed the DIG operation of police to arrest Almeida for presenting before court at next hearing. The court ordered to include the name of Cyril Almeida in exit control list (ECL). The justice remarked that the person who respect the court should be treated as softly otherwise that person never liable for apology. Earlier, 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. By leaking details of the NSC Abbasi committed high treason, the petition says. The petitioner had argued that Nawaz's controversial interview to a newspaper had dented the country’s image and sovereignty. He further alleged that Abbasi supported Nawaz in the matter.