NAB rolls up sleeves to cancel bails of Sharifs in Avenfield case

ISLAMABAD: National Accountability Bureau (NAB) has completed its preparations to nix bails granted to Sharif family by Islamabad High Court (IHC) in Avenfield reference.

ARY News reported that within this week, the NAB is expected to file petition in the Supreme Court against the decision of IHC according bails to ousted premier Nawaz Sharif, his daughter Maryam Nawaz and his son-in-law Captain (Retd) Safdar.

The sources privy to the matter shared that the anti-graft body has received the copy of IHC’s detailed judgement over suspension of sentences of the accused in Avenfield reference.

While keeping the legal flaws of IHC’s judgement in consideration, the petition will be filed by the NAB, sources added.

The officials of the anti-corruption watchdog have directed their prosecution team to fight the case in full swing.

The Islamabad High Court yesterday issued a detailed judgment regarding its September 19 order suspending the imprisonment of Nawaz Sharif, Maryam Nawaz and Captain (retd) Muhammad Safdar in the Avenfield corruption reference.

READ MORE: IHC suspends Avenfield ruling, sets free Nawaz, Maryam, Safdar

The 41-page detailed verdict of the IHC, written by Justice Athar Minallah, read, “In hindsight, the sentences awarded to the suspects cannot hold for a long time. The accountability court which awarded the sentences did not state how or refer to evidence regarding how Maryam assisted Nawaz in the purchase of the Avenfield apartments.”

The judgement added, “The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) mostly relied on Panama Papers case to argue their points against suspension in sentences.”

Justice Athar Minallah argued, “Suspects were also indicted under NAB ordinance Section 9(a)(iv) but a trial court acquitted them under the same. However, the prosecution did not challenge the acquittal.”

“Court findings are not final and our opinions or observations will not influence the appeals,” the judgment further remarked.