In a significant development, an accountability court has approved bail for former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s sons, Hasan and Hussain Nawaz, in exchange for a bond of Rs50,000 each. The bail pertains to three references concerning Al-Azizia Steel Mill, Avenfield apartments, and Flagship.
Furthermore, the court has revoked the perpetual arrest warrants and fugitive status previously issued against the brothers in these cases.
Hasan and Hussain were required to appear before the accountability court to seek suspension of their perpetual arrest warrants, and they were granted relief by the court until March 14. On the request of the defendants’ counsel, Qazi Misbah, the court has adjourned further hearing of the case until Friday.
In response to petitions filed by Nawaz’s sons seeking acquittal, the accountability court has issued a notice to the National Accountability Bureau (NAB). Additionally, Misbah filed a petition for the appointment of his clients’ pleader due to security concerns, resulting in the appointment of Rana Irfan as their pleader.
During the hearing, Misbah argued for the cancellation of his clients’ perpetual arrest warrants, highlighting that they had surrendered themselves as per the court’s condition. He clarified that Hasan and Hussain were nominated as co-accused in the references and emphasized that they had been vindicated in the Flagship reference. He also mentioned that while all accused were acquitted by the high court in the Al-Azizia and Avenfield references, his clients were unable to appear before the court.
Responding to the judge’s inquiry about their intentions to leave the country, Misbah stated that they were currently in the country. The court subsequently adjourned the hearing until tomorrow.
Meanwhile, Hussain Nawaz reiterated his Pakistani citizenship in an informal discussion with journalists, emphasizing that he never refused to accept it. He expressed discontent with the political vendetta against them and called for a transparent trial, asserting that he and his brother have no association with any government.
