- Production of all documents pertaining to money trail ‘not possible’, says Advocate Salman Raja
Justice Asif Saeed Khosa-led five-member Supreme Court bench that is hearing multiple petitions against Sharif family in the wake of Panama leaks has observed the lack of documents presented by Hassan Nawaz and Hussain Nawaz’s counsel, Advocate Salman Akram Raja, pertaining to ownership of London flats.
The hearing resumed after a gap of two weeks due to illness and non availability of Justice Sheikh Azmat Saeed who had a heart attack earlier this month. Raja, from the very outset, argued that since the majority of record was lost during the ’99 coup, the complete history of Sharif family’s business spanning over 45 years can’t be reproduced. Salman Akram Raja also argued that since the Supreme Court had taken up the case in its extraordinary jurisdiction and can’t hold an inquiry into the matter, the case may be sent to relevant authorities for investigation.
The counsel further said that even if his clients are to be tried under NAB laws, the burden of proof does not lie on them.
When Justice Ejaz Afzal Khan asked how the flats were bought and came in the possession of PM’s children, Mr Raja said they were bought from proceeds of Mian Sharif’s business. ‘The flats were bought by Al-Thani family between ’93 and ’96. Later on, in January 2006, the Al-Thani family gave the bearer certificates to Hussain Nawaz and in July 2006 these bearer certificates were transferred to Minerva,’ he said, adding that these bearer certificates have standing of currency.
Justice Sheikh Azmat Saeed asked about the agreement between Hussain Nawaz and Minerva. ‘When will you present it?’ he asked. Justice Khosa also remarked that the record of transfer of certificates in 2006 should be presented as it is only a decade old. Justice Ejaz Afzal Khan said that no party is bringing forward the whole truth.
An interesting situation arose in the court when Justice Khosa asked whether back in 1999 only one child of Sharif family was living in England and why four flats were bought for his residence. Mr Raja replied that there is a possibility that another child was living as well. However, he said, he will apprise the court after seeking details from his client.
Once again, the practice of reading excerpts from the speeches given by Sharif family returned to the case when Justice Asif Saeed Khosa read an excerpt from Hussain Nawaz’s speech in which he said that London flats were bought after selling Jeddah Steel Mills.
Salman Akram Raja also presented before the court questions pertaining to Article 184 (3) that empowers Supreme Court with extraordinary jurisdiction commonly referred to as suo motu. It is expected Salman Akram Raja will conclude his arguments today (Thursday) and the case will go for rebuttal to the petitioner’s counsel Advocate Naeem Bukhari.
The hearing has been adjourned till today (Thursday).