LAHORE: High treason case against Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) lifetime supremo Nawaz Sharif and former PM Shahid Khaqan Abbasi adjourned on Monday till October 22.
The duo had appeared before the Lahore High Court (LHC) today.
A three-member LHC bench comprising of Justice Atir Mahmood and Justice Chaudhry Masood Jahangir and headed by Justice Mazahar Ali Naqvi commenced the hearing of the treason petition against former prime ministers Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, Nawaz, and journalist Cyril Almeida today.
As the hearing started, the bench asked the deputy attorney general whether the federal government had taken any decision regarding an inquiry into the case.
Deputy attorney general apprised the court that case pertains to the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) and they have to conduct an inquiry.
To this, Justice Mazahar Ali Naqvi responded, “How the case is pertaining to PEMRA, it seems that you have not read the petition.”
Mentioning that the issue is quite sensitive and the attorney general should be present the court directed the attorney general to attend the next hearing.
During the session, Abbasi’s lawyer requested the LHC to adjourn the hearing and schedule it after the by-polls. Accepting the request, the bench adjourned the hearing till October 22.
A three-judge LHC bench presided over a petition demanding to file high treason cases against the two former premiers. Monday’s appearance was Nawaz’s first before the LHC, while Abbasi has appeared twice previously.
Petitioner Amna Malik said Nawaz Sharif’s controversial interview regarding the 2008 Mumbai attacks was an act of treason and that he be punished accordingly. She added that Shahid Abbasi briefed Nawaz about a National Security Committee (NSC) meeting over the PML-N supremo’s controversial statements, by which he disrespected his oath.
Amna urged the LHC to file high treason cases against Nawaz, Abbasi and journalist Cyril Almeida, whose interview with the ex-PM caused a political stir in the country.
Scores of PML-N supporters gathered within and outside the court premises and chanted pro-Nawaz and anti-government slogans. They also condemned arrest of party president Shehbaz Sharif.