Court sets Dec 24 deadline to wrap up cases against Sharifs

islamabad — The Supreme Court on Friday gave the accountability court a deadline of December 24 to wrap up proceedings against the Sharif family in two corruption references.

A three-member bench, headed by Chief Justice Mian Saqib Nisar and comprising Justice Ijazul Ahsan and Justice Faisal Arbab, heard a plea seeking the eight extension to conclude the remaining two references — Al Azizia and Flagship — against former premier Nawaz Sharif and his family members.

During proceedings, the chief justice expressed his displeasure over delayed proceedings in the corruption trial. The bench observed that Khwaja Haris, counsel for Nawaz Sharif, by seeking 10 more working days to conclude arguments in the case, was using delay tactics.

Responding to the court’s observation, Khwaja Haris said it would be impossible for him to conclude arguments within the given time, adding that “I am not as active as you (CJ)”.

Justice Nisar asked him how much time he needed to finish his arguments, adding that Haris should not take up cases when he cannot complete them on time.

“I would be able to finish my arguments by 4pm on December 17, Khwaja Haris replied. Subsequently, the court directed Khwaja Haris to complete his arguments by December 17, and ordered the accountability court to announce a decision by December 24.

On November 19, the top court had directed the accountability court to conclude the Al Azizia case within three weeks.

Seven extensions to wrap up corruption references initiated by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) have been granted by the apex court. The Supreme Court had initially set a six-month deadline to conclude the four corruption references against the Sharif family. —