Shahbaz, 9 others indicted in Ashiana reference

LAHORE: An accountability court on Monday indicted Shahbaz Sharif, chairman Public Accounts Committee (PAC) and Pakistan Muslim League-N (PML-N) president, in Ashiana-e-Iqbal Housing reference.

Accountability Court Judge Syed Njamul Hassan framed charges against nine others in the case, besides Shahbaz Sharif.

Earlier, the bureau had filed reference against Shahbaz Sharif, former principal secretary Fawad Hassan Fawad, Nadeem Zia, Kamran Kiyani brother of the former Army Chief Ashfaque Parvez Kiyani, Munir Zia, Khalid Hussain, Ali Sajid, Shahid Chaudhry, Ahad Khan Cheema, Bilal Kidwai, Shahid Shafique, Shahid Shafique, Imtiaz Haider, Israr Saeed and Arif Butt are the nominated accused in the reference.

The court has framed charges against said accused except Nadeem Zia and Kamran Kiyani, who are proclaimed offenders.

Moreover, it has been learnt that National Accountability Bureau (NAB) also filed much-awaited Ramzan Sugar Mills reference against Shahbaz Sharif and his son Hamza Shahbaz, MPA, in the accountability court after being approved by NAB Chairman Justice (retd) Javed Iqbal.

As the hearing commenced on Monday, the accountability court judge asked Shahbaz Sharif whether he accept allegations levelled against him by NAB.

Shahbaz Sharif denied the charges saying that NAB has constituted a baseless and false reference against him. He said that he was the guardian of national wealth and never misused his authority. He alleged that NAB was a liar and proceedings in instant case would prove that it had framed him in the most fake case of the history. “I was ill and needed bed rest, even at the moment, I am wearing a belt,” Shahbaz added. Responding to Shahbaz allegations, the judge said that trial proceedings would reveal that the case against him is fake or otherwise.

The judge also asked other accused present in the courtroom whether they accept charges or not. All the accused denied the charges and said they were innocent.

Meanwhile, the counsel for Shahbaz implored the court to delay the indictment for a week. However, the court rejected the plea. The court, after hearing the accused, framed charges against them and summoned the prosecution witness on March 4.