IHC directs NAB to show evidence that Nawaz Sharif acquired properties in London

A two-judge bench heard appeals in the Avonfield case.
“The prosecution has to establish the case beyond reasonable doubt,” the IHC remarked.
The hearing of the case was adjourned till September 29.

Islamabad: Justice Amir Farooq of the Islamabad High Court on Tuesday remarked that the proceedings of the hearing on the appeal of Muslim League (N) Vice President Maryam Nawaz against the sentence… Reference to Avonfield Apartments “Can’t proceed on assumptions”.

The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) must prove through evidence who acquired these properties. [former prime minister] Nawaz Sharif In the 1990s,” he said during today’s hearing.

A two-member bench comprising Justice Farooq and Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani heard the appeals against the conviction of Maryam and Captain (retd) Safdar.

The bench inquired about the nexus between the two offshore companies and Nawaz Sharif through documentary evidence, urging the NAB counsel to explain how Maryam helped her father acquire properties in London in 1993 or 2006. “aided and abetted” when the trust deed was signed.

To support your arguments, NAB Special Prosecutor Usman Cheema read out the court verdict convicting Nawaz Sharif, in response to which Justice Farooq clarified that Nawaz Sharif’s appeal was not dismissed on the basis of merit but because of his absence.

Justice Farooq also made it clear that none of the Supreme Court’s observations in the Panama case judgment are relevant to the decision on the appeal against Maryam Nawaz’s conviction.

He said that NAB has to prove whether the prosecution proved the case against Maryam in the accountability court or not.

Justice Farooq asked the NAB lawyer how the apartments were acquired in 1993.

The prosecutor claimed Mary “aided, assisted and assisted” her father in acquiring the properties in 2006.

The judge inquired that you said that Nawaz bought properties in 1993, then how did you support them in 2006?

Justice Kayani remarked that at no point did Maryam say that the property belonged to her or that she owned it. “Minus the issue of the trust deed and the Calibri font, and move on to the original case regarding the properties acquired in 1993,” he added.

He said it is “fundamental criminal law” that prosecutors must use evidence to establish their case even if the accused has confessed to the crime.

The judge asked what evidence the prosecution has to prove the case against Nawaz. He said that the prosecution should prove the case beyond reasonable doubt.

“Who paid to acquire properties in 1993?” The IHC judge asked, adding that “NAB has to prove that the payment to acquire these properties was made by Nawaz Sharif.”

The hearing of the case was adjourned till September 29.