Service of arrest warrant to Nawaz through UK’s court: IHC directs authorities to submit report

ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Wednesday directed the authorities to submit a report regarding service of arrest warrant to former prime minister (PM) Nawaz Sharif through United Kingdom’s County Court.

A division bench comprising Justice Aamer Farooq and Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani heard the appeals of Sharif family in Al-Azizia and Avenfield Apartments references, and deferred the hearing till September 30th.

During the hearing, the Additional Attorney General (AAG) informed the court that Sharif was ready to comply with the arrest warrants earlier issued by the court.

He told that a secretary of the PML-N leader’s son had contacted the Consulate Affairs Office of the Pakistan High Commission, and conveyed that Nawaz was willing to comply with the warrants.

When the court asked about the receiving of arrest warrants through Country Court, the AAG sought time to submit report in that regard, and requested the court to adjourn the hearing for indefinite period.

However, the court rejected his request and adjourned the hearing for one week.

The IHC on 1st September had directed Sharif to appear before it on September 10, warning that otherwise, it would declare him an absconder and also initiate action against those who acted as guarantors when the PML-N leader was granted bail by the court.

“We deem [it] appropriate that an opportunity be granted to the appellant [Nawaz] to appear before the court and surrender to the authorities before the next date of hearing,” said the court order.

It added, “Failing this, proceedings would be initiated against him in accordance with law including but not limited to the provisions of National Accountability Bureau (NAB) Ordinance, 1999.”

When Nawaz Sharif did not comply then the Court rejected his plea to exempt him from appearing before the court and proceed on appeals without his surrender, issued non-bailable arrest warrants of former prime minister Nawaz Sharif.

Regarding the appeals of Maryam Nawaz and her husband Captain (retd) Muhammad Safdar, the court decided to first secure Nawaz’s appearance as their appeals are also arising out of the Avenfield verdict.

Maryam Nawaz and Captain Safdar have been convicted by an Accountability Court in the Avenfield reference.

Later, the court adjourned hearing in their appeals till December 9.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2020