- Al Azazia Steel Mills Reference
ISLAMABAD, May 14: Accountability Court on Monday has resumed hearing of Al-Azizia Steel Mills reference against former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and his family today (Monday).
During the hearing headed by Judge Muhammad Bashir, head of Panama Joint Investigation Team (JIT) Wajid Zia told that letter was written to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) authorities to verify the claim of Sharif family. The government rejected the statement of selling 25 percent shares of Gulf Steel Mills, he added.
The JIT head said that Nawaz’s sons Hassan and Hussain Nawaz submitted fake documents regarding sources of business funds, adding Hussain Nawaz said that scrap of the factory was shifted after loading in 50 trucks.
Tariq Shafi took more loan after opening new account during 1986 to 1987, he said. Wajid Zia had submitted details of cheques given to Maryam Nawaz by ex-prime minister Nawaz Sharif, in accountability court.
He told the court that he was working as additional director in Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) and that JIT was formed to find out whether Panama Leaks’ revelations were true or not.
Defence lawyer Khawaja Harris and prosecutor also exchanged harsh words over which, NAB official said that he should better leave as Nawaz’s counsel is raising objections on every sentence. Write your objection for later discussion, he suggested.
Khawaja Harris responded that it’s his legal right to raise objection on anything he is not finding appropriate. Wajid Zia also submitted verified copy of Qatari prince’s letter and also assured that the statements of Maryam, Hassan and Hussain’s statements have been made part of the record. -DNA
