The Accountability Court of Islamabad has taken a significant step regarding Hasan and Hussain Nawaz, the sons of former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, by suspending the perpetual arrest warrants issued against them in three National Accountability Bureau (NAB) references. This decision was announced by Accountability Court Judge Nasir Javed Rana after careful consideration, with the suspension of the arrest warrants extended until March 14.
Both sons of ex-prime minister Nawaz Sharif have petitioned the accountability court to suspend their arrest warrants in three corruption cases linked to the Panama Papers. This would allow them to surrender before the court on March 12. Hussain Nawaz and Hassan Nawaz, represented by their lawyer Qazi Misbahul Hassan, submitted a request in the Islamabad accountability court to halt their ongoing arrest warrants issued in the Avenfield Apartments, Al-Azizia, and Flagship Investment cases.
NAB made no objections
Applications filed by Mr. Hussain and Mr. Hassan Nawaz were brought before Accountability Judge Nasir Javed Rana. Their legal counsel highlighted that both individuals are residents of Saudi Arabia and the UK, respectively, and were named as accused in the mentioned references alongside Mr. Sharif, Maryam Nawaz, and retired Captain Safdar. They pointed out that the trial began when the accused were not present in Pakistan, and they were not properly informed of the legal proceedings. The counsel emphasized that their clients have now decided to surrender before the court and face trial proceedings.
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In light of this, the legal representatives requested the court to suspend the arrest warrants, allowing Hasan and Hussain Nawaz to appear in court on March 12. The NAB prosecutors did not oppose this request, acknowledging that the issuance of warrants is primarily to ensure the appearance of the accused in court. They stated that if Hasan and Hussain Nawaz are willing to return and participate in the proceedings, they should be granted the opportunity to do so. However, NAB Prosecutor Sohail Arif reiterated the importance of legal procedures and emphasized that the appearance of the accused in court is mandatory, with the issuance of warrants serving as a procedural measure to ensure compliance.