Accountability
ISLAMABAD: An accountability court in Islamabad confirmed bail of Nawaz Sharif in the Toshakhana case and adjourning hearing till Nov 20.
Nawaz Sharif personally appeared in the court of Judge Muhammad Bashir. Judge allowed former prime minister to leave the court after marking his attendance.
Later on, the accountability court judge confirmed Sharif’s bail and adjourned hearing till Nov 20, 2023.
Meanwhile, PML-N chief appeared in the Islamabad High Court on Tuesday in the Avenfield and Al-Azizia references filed by NAB.
Last week, Judge Muhammad Bashir granted interim bail to Nawaz Sharif in this case till October 24, 2023.
Earlier, former prime minister left his Jati Umrah residence on Monday evening with a VIP protocol to reach Islamabad as he was supposed to appear before the courts on Tuesday.
Nawaz Sharif appeared before the accountability court in connection with the Toshakhana case and in the IHC regarding NAB’s references in the Al Azizia and Avenfield cases.
Moreover, Nawaz Sharif’s return to Pakistan and his party’s mammoth rally at Minar-e-Pakistan on October 21 have become talk of the town in Pakistan.
However, PMLN opponents are annoyed with the VVIP protocol that Nawaz Sharif was given at Islamabad airport and in Lahore.
Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) strongly criticized the “VVIP protocol” provided to former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif upon his return to Pakistan, alleging that all federal and Punjab government resources were used to facilitate the return of a “convicted absconder.”
PTI Secretary General Omar Ayub Khan expressed outrage that a convicted prisoner received VVIP protocol, including the use of the State Room at Islamabad Airport for his reception. He claimed that this treatment highlighted the destruction of Pakistan’s legal system by the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N).
Khan also pointed out the contrast between Nawaz Sharif’s biometrics process at the airport and the treatment of Prime Minister Imran Khan during a similar process, suggesting a double standard in the treatment of the two leaders.
PTI senior leader Moonis Elahi criticized the unprecedented welcome given to a convicted absconder. He emphasized that court staff went to the airport to collect Nawaz Sharif’s biometric attendance, while Prime Minister Imran Khan was picked up from court when he was providing his biometrics.
Elahi alleged that the Punjab government instructed deputy commissioners to provide transport and ensure the attendance of government employees, particularly “patwaris,” for Nawaz Sharif’s return, highlighting the preparations made for his arrival.
