Nawaz's proclamation in UK papers: IHC dismisses Federation's plea

ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Monday dismissed the Federation's plea to publish proclamation of former prime minister Nawaz Sharif in two leading newspapers of the United Kingdom.

A division bench comprising Justice Aamer Farooq and Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani heard the Federation's application to publish proclamation of former prime minister Nawaz Sharif in two leading newspapers of Britain.

Assistant Attorney General (AAG) Muhammad Nadeem Khan Khakwani last week had filed a two-page application in the IHC for "effective service" of the proclamation of Nawaz Sharif.

The application sought the indulgence of the IHC for permission to publish the proclamation of Nawaz Sharif in Daily Telegraph (London) and Daily Guardian (London) for the proper administration of justice for fulfilling the requirements of the law as a convict (Nawaz Sharif) is currently residing at Avenfield Apartments Mayfair properties London, UK.

It added that, therefore, it was necessary that publication be made in those newspapers for effective service of the proclamation.

It also stated that requisite formalities and charges would be undertaken and borne by the federal government.

The AAG prayed before the court that the instant application might be allowed, and the proclamation be permitted to be published in the aforementioned daily newspapers.

The IHC, on October 7, had decided to summon Nawaz Sharif through advertisements in two English language newspapers, The News and Daily Dawn.

The assistant attorney general informed that the advertisements had been published in the papers.

It has been advertised that Nawaz Sharif was sentenced 10 years in Avenfield Apartments.

The IHC on September 19, 2018, suspended the sentence, and he was released on bail.

The AAG told that it was stated in the advertisement that Nawaz Sharif was ordered to appear before the IHC in November.

He said in the second reference, Nawaz Sharif in Al-Azizia Mills' case was granted eight weeks bail.

After the bail, he left the country on the ground for medical treatment in the UK.

He said the court was not satisfied with his medical reports, and ordered him to appear before it but he was not complying with the order.

The division bench in September had directed to initiate the process of declaring the PML-N supremo, a proclaimed offender, after he had refused multiple times to receive the arrest warrants issued in his name.

The arrest warrants were sent twice by-hand, and once, via Britain's Royal Mail in London.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2020