LHC bins petition seeking Shehbaz Sharif's release

LAHORE: The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Wednesday dismissed a petition requesting the release of Shehbaz Sharif from the custody of National Accountability Bureau (NAB).  

During the hearing, Justice Ali Baqir Najfi remarked “every individual is free provided his freedom comes within the purview of law.”

The defense counsel of the petitioner argued that it was not justified to summon someone for an inquiry and then arrest him.

According to the petition, filed by Lawyers Foundation, Shehbaz Sharif was arrested without any proof as it was contrary to the constitutional values.

Shehbaz Sharif was taken into custody with incomplete proofs and without charges against him proved, it added. The plea said free and fair trial under the Constitution was the right of every citizen, adding that Sharif was called for an interrogation and the NAB’s decision to detain him was contrary to constitutional rights of a citizen.

The petitioner prayed the court to declare order of Shehbaz’s arrest as void and set him free.

Nevertheless, on Wednesday, the High court rejected the petition for Shehbaz’s release.

On the other hand, Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) has submitted an application for the production order of its president. The application requests the Speaker of National Assembly (NA) to release the production order of Shehbaz Sharif for the NA session scheduled on 29 October.

On Oct 5, Shehbaz Sharif was arrested by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) in Rs 14 billion Ashiana housing society case.

The PML-N president was served summons many a times and he appeared on Oct 5 to record his statement where he was taken into custody by NAB officials.