Islamabad: The accountability court in Islamabad granted bail to former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s sons, Hasan and Hussain Nawaz, in exchange for a 50,000 bond each, about three references related to Al-Azizia Steel Mill, Avenfield apartments and Flagship.
Furthermore, the court revoked the brothers’ perpetual arrest warrants and fugitive status in these cases. Hasan and Hussain appeared before the accountability court as required to seek the suspension of their perpetual arrest warrants, with the court extending relief to them until March 14.
Upon the request of the defendant’s counsel, Qazi Misbah, the court adjourned the hearing until Friday. Misbah also petitioned to appoint his clients’ pleader, citing security concerns. Rana Irfan was subsequently appointed as their pleader.
During arguments, Misbah highlighted that he had previously pleaded to suspend his clients’ perpetual arrest warrants, emphasizing that since the suspects had surrendered themselves per the court’s conditions, their warrants should be canceled.
The accountability court judge inquired about Hasan and Hussain’s nomination in the three references. Misbah confirmed that they were named as co-accused in the cases. He noted that while the trial court had acquitted all accused in the Flagship reference, the high court acquitted all but his clients in the Al-Azizia and Avenfield references due to their inability to appear.
The judge sought clarification on whether the suspects intended to leave the country soon. Misbah indicated that they were currently in the country. Subsequently, the court adjourned the hearing until the next day.
During an informal discussion with journalists at the Islamabad Judicial Complex, Hussain emphasized that he was a Pakistani citizen and had never denied it. He expressed frustration with the political vendetta against him and his brother, dating back to their exile in 1999. He distanced himself from any government association and called for an end to character assassination and transparent trials for all individuals.
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