Nawaz Sharif can’t dictate court, says Bilawal

SUKKUR: Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari on Thursday reacted to Nawaz Sharif’s request to delay Avenfield Properties corruption reference request, stating that the accused is not in a position to dictate.

The former premier requested the accountability court to delay Friday’s announcement of the Avenfield case verdict as he wants to be present when the verdict is announced. The request submitted by former premier’s counsel Zafir Khan also includes details of Begum Kulsoom Nawaz’s illness, due to which Nawaz and his daughter Maryam have been in London since June 14.

Speaking to the media in Sukkur, Bilawal said that the announcement of the verdict should not portray Nawaz as a victim. “The timing of the verdict should not give off the impression that it was not as transparent or effective as it should have been,” he said.

In addition to that Bilawal said, “The protection of fundamental rights is the real essence of democracy and a compromise on the matter is not possible.”

Moreover, he said that it is a positive development for the country to hold its second election, the nation and government must continue this and eventually stabilise it.

He further observed that the country still has many weaknesses that need to be removed.

Fawad Chaudhry wants Nawaz’s case decision to be on legal grounds :

Commenting on the issue, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf spokesperson Fawad Chaudhry said the decision on Nawaz Sharif’s case should be on legal, not political grounds.

“The verdict on Avenfield Properties corruption reference should not be delayed. The justice system cannot wait for a single person and the law should be the same for the rich and poor alike,” he said.

Chaudhry also condemned the National Accountability Bureau’s (NAB) decision to halt arrests of politicians facing corruption allegations till the General Election 2018. “NAB should not have double standards for politicians,” he said.