ISLAMABAD: National Accountability Bureau (NAB) prosecutor Wasiq Malik Friday told the Accountability Court that Hassan and Hussain Nawaz fled abroad to avoid trial and hide facts related to the graft references against Sharif family.
The NAB prosecutor continued his final arguments on second day in Al-Azizia Steel Mills case before Accountability Court judge Arshad Malik. Former prime minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif also appeared before the court.
As the hearing began, Wasiq Malik said Hussain Nawaz started his business with the help of his grandfather Mian Sharif and established Al-Azizia Steel Mills in 2001 but it was sold out in 2006. According to Hussain Nawaz, machinery was shifted from Dubai to Jeddha for Al-Azizia Mills.
Hill Metal Establishment (HME), a company they set up, he said, was disclosed through an audit report, adding that accused Hussain Nawaz submitted the audit report with Supreme Court and Joint Investigation Team (JIT).
The NAB prosecutor said in a ‘benamidar’ case, it is important to see who is the beneficial owner of the given assets. He added that the record had disclosed that most of the profit was transferred to Nawaz Sharif.
Later, Nawaz Sharif came on rostrum and stated that it all started in 1973 when Gulf Steel Mills was established and later other assets were made, adding that at that time nobody asked about the money trail.
He said the prosecution should prove the ownership of assets against him.
At this, the judge said that it would hear his arguments after the prosecution concluded its arguments.
Wasiq Malik said that money was directly transferred to Nawaz Sharif from HME and he would submit details in written with the court in this regard.
Nawaz’s sons fled abroad after the apex court announced its judgment in Panama Papers case, he said, adding that the real question was as to how they were able to build these assets.
Judge Arshad Malik said the accused was supposed to inform how the Al-Azizia Steel Mills was established. Receiving money from relatives abroad is a common practice, he noted.
Nawaz Sharif said that traditionally it is considered an honour for sons to send money to their fathers.
The NAB prosecutor said that the documents of Hassan and Hussain Nawaz couldn’t be ignored.
On a query by judge, he said Hussain Nawaz had been dependent on his father since he started business as he owned nothing in his name.
The judge remarked that being a former prime minister, he should have asked his sons as to how they were able to amass such extensive assets when he was in power. He asked the defence counsel to keep these points in mind to answer on his turn.
Khawaja Haris said argued that Nawaz Sharif belonged to a rich family.
The judge remarked that despite belonging to a rich family, the accused has not shown even one vehicle in his tax returns.
Later, the court adjourned hearing of the case till next Monday.