Accountability court to seek third extension of Sharifs' trial period

ISLAMABAD: With the one-month deadline set to expire on June 9, an accountability court hearing corruption cases against former prime minister Nawaz Sharif and members of his family will approach the Supreme Court for yet another extension to decide the cases. 

Accountability Judge Muhammad Bashir said he would write to the apex court, requesting it to extend the deadline for conclusion of the trial of the Sharif family.

On May 09, the top court had granted a second extension to conclude the trial until June 09.

The judge was hearing the Al-Azizia Steel Mills/ Hill Metals reference when defence lawyer Khawaja Haris, representing Mr. Sharif, pointed out that he (judge) was speedily proceeding with the case today.

To which, the judge said they have to dispose of this case at the earliest as the deadline for conclusion of the cases is expiring. He said he would write a letter to the top court seeking another extension.

As the hearing of the case began today, the defence counsel resumed cross-examination of star prosecution witness Wajid Zia, who was head of the Joint Investigation Team (JIT), in the reference.

On May 09, the apex court extended the deadline for conclusion of the trial of the former prime minister and members of his family on corruption charges until June 9.

The apex court allowed more time to the trial court on its request to decide three corruption references filed by NAB against the former premier, his daughter Maryam Nawaz and son-in-law retired Captain Safdar.

Justice Ijazul Ahsan, who is also monitoring the corruption trial, asked Special Prosecutor Akbar Tarar to explain as to why the court had been unable to conclude the trial until now despite having been granted sufficient time.

He said every reference was being heard individually and that the Avenfield properties reference has been concluded.

On March 8, 2018, the top court extended by two months the deadline set for the trial court to decide the cases.