Shehbaz Sharif to be indicted in Ashiana scandal case on Feb 18

LAHORE: Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) President Shehbaz Sharif will be indicted in the Ashiana Iqbal Housing scandal case on February 18.

NAB arrested Shehbaz on October 5, 2018 in connection to the Ashiana Iqbal Housing Scheme case.

During today’s proceedings of the case in the accountability court, Ahad Cheema and Fawad Hasan Fawad were present but Sharif was in Islamabad due to a meeting of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC).

The court inquired why Sharif was not present, stating whether he was ill or had a PAC meeting. DSP Aizaz Shah informed the court that Sharif was not well and also had a PAC meeting.

At this the court stated that the police were just guardians and it was the state which was answerable on who had allowed Shehbaz Sharif to stay in Islamabad, adding that he was not granted the right to a medical so he wouldn’t appear in court.

Prosecutor NAB said it was not the bureau’s responsibility to present Sharif but rather the police. The lawyer for Sharif informed the court that his client had an issue with his backbone and his doctor had advised him against long journeys. To this, the court responded that why not summon this doctor and ask him about the report. The court added that according to the report Sharif was fine and it seems his health deteriorated lying in bed.

The judge hearing the case said Shehbaz Sharif was supposed to be indicted in the case today, to which the lawyer replied that there was no such order.

The court ordered for Shehbaz Sharif to be present at all cost during the next hearing, adding that an order beyond summons would be given if he failed to appear.

The judge added that Sharif could end the meeting and come, and if he was ill he can take an air ambulance.

The judge informed Sharif’s counsel that his client would be indicted during the next hearing and there will be no excuses acceptable on his absence.

The hearing of the case was adjourned will February 18.