- Asghar Khan case
- Next hearing to be held on June 12
ISLAMABAD, June 6: Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz supreme leader Nawaz Sharif failed to appear before the Supreme Court on Wednesday despite a summon.
A three-member bench headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan Mian Saqib Nisar conducted hearing of the case. “Those who were accused of receiving money have been issued notices. Where is Mr Nawaz Sharif?” asked the CJP over his absence.
“His notice was collected by his security officer. Contact him and ask him to reach court within an hour,” directed the CJP.
However; when he failed to attend the hearing, the CJP said, “Did you came to know the whereabouts of Nawaz Sharif? Ask him to arrange for a lawyer if he is unable to attend the hearing.”
“Nawaz Sharif is in accountability court. He is preparing for a lawyer to represent him in the case,” replied the Attorney General.
Javed Hashmi appeared before the court. “Did you take the money?” CJP asked him. “I obtained your notice and appeared today though it wasn’t necessary however; I came in respect of the judiciary. The accusation against me is entirely false. FIA also held interrogation and cleared me,” he said.
“Your appearance in the court is commendable. You are a beacon for others,” said the chief justice.
“Whoever is accused of receiving money will appear before the court.
They are a part of investigation. Retired army officers will also have to face trial. We will not delay this case. The accused should provide an explanation as they are being given a chance. Don’t lament afterwards,” remarked the CJP.
“Khurshid Shah is in Karachi and his name is not among the recipients of money,” said his lawyer Aitzaz Ahsan. “Abida Hussain got the notice late,” said the lawyer.
Mirza Aslam Baig also appeared in the court. ” I request the court to decide over my case and not the army,” he said. “Submit your petition and we will review it. The next hearing of the case will be held in Lahore,” remarked the CJP.
Talking to media, Hashmi said, “The case accuses that ISI gave money to some people and politicians have been named. I do not have any idea about this. I was acquitted after five-year jail term. The real clash was between PML-N and PPP. Politicians are used and then thrown away.”
The next hearing will be held on June 12 in Supreme Court Lahore registry.
On Tuesday, the apex court’s Registrar Office issued notices to 31 persons and directed Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supreme leader Nawaz Sharif to appear before the court in personal capacity. The individuals who were issued notices include; Abida Hussain, Altaf Hussain, Javed Hashmi, Jam Mashooq, Ajmal Khan, Afaq Ahmad, Khursheed Shah, Ghulam Mustafa Khar, Sirajul Haq, Secretary Interior, Defense and DG FIA.-Agencies
