Avenfield case: Nawaz, Maryam granted three-day exemption

ISLAMABAD: The accountability judge on Monday approved three days exemption of former premier Nawaz Sharif and his daughter Maryam Nawaz from appearing personally in Avenfield case.

At the outset of hearing, a seven-day exemption plea was submitted on behalf of accused in the accountability court which was rejected by judge Muhammad Bashir. The court then allowed three days exemption to Nawaz and his daughter.

Previously, the accountability court had given four days exemption to the duo on June 19 which was ended today.

Nawaz’s legal counsel Khuwaja Haris was giving his concluding arguments in the case for a fifth consecutive day where he reiterated the remarks of his clients, “Testimony of Joint Investigation Team (JIT) head Wajid Zia cannot be acceptable as evidence in the case.”

Haris further stated that it was court’s not JIT’s job to highlight the differences between two Qatari letters. “Wajid Zia should have only presented letters, instead of giving comments on it,” while adding that the investigation officer’s opinion could not be considered as acceptable evidence.

The nitpicking of JIT’s findings in the case was the focal point of Haris’s final arguments.

Defense counsel presented medical reports of Kulsoom Nawaz before the court. However, NAB’s Deputy Prosecutor General Sardar Muzaffar Abbasi contended that report is not signed by any doctor.

Captain (retd) Safdar was present during the hearing.

The court has adjourned the hearing till June 26 (tomorrow).