Touting democracy turns into criminal offence, says Maryam Nawaz

ISLAMABAD: Former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s daughter Maryam Nawaz on Thursday said that the evidences were being cooked up rather than being provided.

Talking to media persons outside the accountability court, she deplored the graft proceedings against the family members, complaining that the verdict of the case announced prior to the trial.

Applauding PML-N endeavours for upholding democracy, Maryam said that the country is passing through a phase in which touting democracy is being deemed as a criminal offence.

“If [former] PM Nawaz Sharif was disqualified merely for possessing a foreign work-permit then why the law is restricted to him,” she questioned.

Responding to a question over VIP accountability, she said that the family members are appearing before the court despite her mother is undergoing a treatment.

“VIP accountability occurs at a time when the vehicle turns around halfway after accused complains a back pain on way to the court,” she asserted while indirectly referring to former president Pervez Musharaf.

Moreover, she said that the Panamagate Joint Investigation Team (JIT) had approached British authorities in UK but later returned to Pakistan after they were failed in garnering evidence.

Earlier today, an accountability court issued the bailable arrest warrant for former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif in two graft references and directed police to produce him till November 3 (next hearing).

The arrest warrant for Sharif was issued in two references pertaining to Aziza Steel Mills and Flagship Investment Ltd.