SC issues notices to Sharif, Maryam on NAB appeal

There may not be another judgement on suspension of sentences that is 43 pages long. Show me another such judgement that exceeds a page and a half

Mian Saqib Nisar, chief justice

islamabad — The Supreme Court on Wednesday issued notices to former premier Nawaz Sharif and his daughter Maryam Nawaz after hearing an appeal filed by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) against the Islamabad High Court (IHC) verdict suspending their conviction in the Avenfield reference.

The court, however, decided not to issue any notice to Capt. (retd) Mohammed Safdar Awan over the NAB appeal.

A three-member bench, headed by Chief Justice Saqib Nisar, heard the anti-corruption watchdog’s appeal against the high court’s verdict to suspend the sentences of Sharif family members.

Chief Justice Mian Saqib Nisar noted that “there may not be another judgement on suspension of sentences” that is 43 pages long. “Show me another such judgement that exceeds more than a page and a half,” he said.

NAB special prosecutor Akram Qureshi concurred with the chief justice’s observation, adding: “Sir, in my career I have never seen this long a judgement on suspension of sentences. Ask someone wise, and maybe [you] would find another instance.

Qureshi also questioned the basis on which the Islamabad High court had used the “hardship” principle. —