Islamabad (Staff Report): Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) president and former prime minister Nawaz Sharif on Wednesday claimed that any evidence of corruption against him is yet to be discovered.
While talking to the media after appearing before an accountability court on Wednesday, Nawaz wondered what [charge of] misappropriation exists [against him] which has not been discovered yet. "I was disqualified on Iqama yet Imran’s apology accepted," he asserted.
Nawaz also lamented the judiciary's favourable treatment of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Chairman Imran Khan, referring to his recent 'clearance' by the Supreme Court in the disqualification case against him as well his bail in the anti-terrorism cases against him.
Nawaz, his daughter Maryam Nawaz and her husband Capt (retd) Safdar appeared before the court in three references pertain to the Al-Azizia Steel Mills, offshore companies including Flagship Investment Ltd, and London's Avenfield properties, filed by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) in light of the Supreme Court's July 28 judgment in the Panama Papers case.
During today's hearing, the prosecution presented two more witnesses before accountability judge Mohammad Bashir. The court has adjourned the hearing of the case till January 9.
Strict security arrangments were made in the areas surrounding the court.
NAB's Rawalpindi branch prepared two references regarding the Azizia Steel Mills and Hill Metals Establishment, and the nearly dozen companies owned by the Sharif family. Its Lahore branch prepared a reference on the Sharif family 's Avenfield apartments in London and another against Finance Minister Ishaq Dar for owning assets beyond his known sources of income.
If convicted, the accused may face up to 14 years imprisonment and lifelong disqualification from holding public office including the freezing of bank accounts and assets.
