LAHORE: An accountability court on Saturday reserved its verdict on applications, filed on behalf of the Leader of the Opposition in the Punjab Assembly Hamza Shehbaz and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) President Shehbaz Sharif, seeking exemption from their personal appearances in the hearing of Ramzan Sugar Mills and Ashiana Iqbal Housing Scheme cases.
The applications have mentioned that Shehbaz was abroad and Hamza has been feeling unwell, and therefore both of the accused could not appear for the hearing.
As the hearing resumed, the court asked their defense counsel Ajmad Pervez if he was sure about Shehbaz’s return to the country after four weeks.
To which, he responded in positive, but mentioned that doctors have recommended Shehbaz to prolong his stay for further medical treatment.
“He himself wants to appear in the hearings, and his medical record has been presented in the court,” he added.
The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) prosecutor told the court that the accused were again absent from the hearing without prior notice and permission.
All accused persons have already been indicted by the court in Ramzan Sugar Mills case.
On Wednesday, the Lahore High Court (LHC) extended Hamza’s interim bail in three different cases,
Ramzan Sugar Mills, Saaf Pani Company and assets beyond known sources of income, till May 22.