Pakistani court suspends jail for Sharifs

Islamabad: A Pakistani court on Wednesday suspended jail sentences of former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, his daughter Maryam Nawaz and son-in-law Mohammed Safdar in Avenfield reference.  

Islamabad High Court’s Justice Athar Minallah, while announcing the verdict, directed the release of Nawaz Sharif, his daughter Maryam Nawaz and Mr Safdar over surety bonds worth Rs 0.5 million each until a final decision on their pleas.

During the hearing, National Accountability Bureau (NAB) prosecutor said that no evidence regarding transfer of 12 million dirham was found while the agreement of selling 25 per cent shares of Gulf Steel Mills was also fake.  

United Arab Emirates (UAE) authorities have also not verified the transfer of the money, he added.

Responding to the question, NAB prosecutor said the accused adopted the stance in Supreme Court that they bought London flats by selling Gulf Steel Mills. 

He said Maryam Nawaz had told the Panama Joint Investigation Team (JIT) that she was her father’s dependent.

Earlier, the bench inquired why Maryam Nawaz had been convicted under Section-9A of the NAB’s ordinance if assets were owned by Nawaz Sharif. 

The bench further asked how two individuals can be convicted on assets owned by a single person. “How can Nawaz Sharif own property when ownership of the same rests with his children? Does court announce verdict merely on basis of this myth?", remarked Justice Athar Minallah.

NAB’s prosecutor argued law turns onus of proof on accused after ownership of flats (by Sharifs) was established. He said: “The agreement of money transfer turned out to be fake. Likewise, the deed declaring Mar-yam Nawaz trustee was also proved fake. She possesses assets beyond her declared source of income”.

The NAB prosecutor further added the Sharifs had not registered ‘Calibri font’ trust deed in UK. He said, “Maryam Nawaz crafted this trust deed and declared his brother beneficial owner”.

Nawaz Sharif, Maryam Nawaz and Mr Safdar were convicted and sentenced to prison in absentia for 10 years, seven years and one year respectively, in Avenfield verdict. Maryam and Mr Safdar, candidates for the general elections 2018, were also disqualified from contesting elections for 10 years each.