'Wajid Zia admitted Nawaz has no connection with Avenfield property'

ISLAMABAD: Minister of State for Information Marriyum Aurangzeb said on Wednesday that the “star witness” Wajid Zia has unequivocally admitted that Nawaz Sharif has no connection with Avenfield property, ARY News reported.

Speaking to media outside the accountability court hearing references against Sharif family, the minister claimed that Wajid Zia, while recording his statement, unequivocally admitted that Nawaz Sharif had no connection with the concerned property as during the investigations he did not find any document that established that link.

“Wajid Zia further deposed that the property was purchased by Nescol and Nielson and there was no documentary evidence to establish that Nawaz Sharif had made any payment for it or paid any utility bill,” said Marriyum Aurangzeb while questioning why media is not highlighting this statement.

The minister lamented that an elected premier was sent home on the basis of ‘Iqama’ and today the “star witness” has spoken in his favour.

She added that the opponents of Nawaz Sharif have not been able to establish any case of corruption or kick-backs against him.

The accountability court on Wednesday resumed hearing into Avenfield reference against ousted premier Nawaz Sharif, allowing the ex-PM’s counsel to cross-examine Wajid Zia, who headed the Panama Papers investigation team.

The court on March 27 had recorded statement of Mr. Zia in the Avenfield reference against Sharif, Maryam Nawaz and her husband Captain (retd) Safdar.

In today’s hearing, Sharif’s counsel Khawaja Harris cross-examined Zia and questioned him about evidence proving Nawaz Sharif as beneficial owner of Avenfiled