NAB probes Sharif role in Al Azizia Mills case

Sharif family attempted to hide 50% stake and facts about loan while selling firm in 2001-’02

After Al Azizia Mills and Flagship Investment, the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) has completed investigations into the issuance of visa to Indian engineers, sources said yesterday.

The sources said the Hill Metal Establishment (HME) audit report has strengthened the case of prosecution. According to the documents available with Online, the Sharif family attempted to hide its 50 per cent shareholding and facts related to return of loan while selling Al Azizia Mills in 2001-2002.

The audit report was presented by former prime minister’s son Hussain Nawaz. As per the report, Al Azizia Steel Mill was sold in 2004 and the money was transferred to the Nawaz Sharif’s account through HME and other companies’ accounts.

According to the State Bank of Pakistan’s report, Nawaz Sharif was shareholder of AlAzizia Steel Mill. However, Sharif’s Counsel Khawaj Haris during cross-questioning from JIT head Wajid Zia tried to renose the angle of his questioning.

Sources said Nawaz Sharif and his children can be fined and punished more in this case than Avenfield, because money was directly transferred to Nawaz Sharif’s account. Sources said NAB will take action against Nawaz Sharif’s sons and Ishaq Dar under the NAB act. The government would approach the UK government to arrest Nawaz sons’ and Ishaq Dar.