Khawaja Haris recuses himself from pleading in NAB cases against Nawaz

ISLAMABAD: Khawaja Haris, the counsel representing former prime minister Nawaz Sharif in accountability references, has excused from pursuing the references further more.

The counsel formally withdrew from the case as the accountability court resumed proceedings in the Al Azizia Steel Mills reference.

The Supreme Court, yesterday while giving the accountability court a 30-day deadline to wind up all three cases, also advised that the hearing of the case be held on a daily basis, even on Saturdays.

The counsel told the accountability judge that it is not possible for him to pursue these cases under pressure. He also expressed his inability to work on the weekly off days of courts.

The accountability judge, after the defence counsel’s withdrawal of his paper of attorney, asked Nawaz Sharif if he would like to engage another lawyer or would he attempt to convince Khawaja Haris to continue with the case.

Nawaz replied to the judge that he needs some time to make a decision on the matter and requested the court to adjourn proceedings for a few days.

Khawaja Haris was scheduled to cross examine Wajid Zia in the hearing today, however, the court proceedings were adjourned following the counsel’s withdrawal decision.

It is pertinent to mention here that Advocate Khawaja Haris has recused himself from the hearing after pleading as defence lawyer in the case after nine months.