The Islamabad High Court (IHC) reinstated the appeals of PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif against his conviction in the Avenfield Apartments and Al-Azizia references. Chief Justice Aamer Farooq and Justice Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb led the division bench that made the decision following Nawaz’s requests for protective bail and appeal reinstatement.
Nawaz Sharif, who previously faced imprisonment in the Avenfield properties corruption reference and the Al-Azizia Steel Mills corruption reference, had been granted bail and permission to travel abroad for medical treatment. His protective bail was extended until the recent hearing.
During the court proceedings, Nawaz Sharif, his brother Shehbaz, and other party leaders were present. NAB Prosecutor General Ehtesham Qadir Shah acknowledged discussions held by the watchdog’s chairman on the bail petitions. Shah clarified that once an appeal is accepted, the option to withdraw the reference becomes unavailable, affirming that NAB would provide its opinion on the appeals during the scheduled hearing.
Nawaz’s legal representatives underscored the significance of reinstating the right to appeal and emphasized the need for the court to consider Nawaz’s character when evaluating the remaining appeals.
When asked about any intention to apprehend Nawaz, the NAB prosecutor confirmed that there was no such intention, asserting that the court could demand new surety bonds from the PML-N leader.
