Ashiana Housing scheme: AC extends Shehbaz's physical remand till Dec 6.

and NAB still not able to conclude inquiry after 54 days, Shehbaz'scounsel argues LAHORE: An accountability court on Wednesday extended Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) President Shehbaz Sharif's physical remand till December 6 in the Ashiana Housing scheme. Shehbaz, who has been in National Accountability Bureau's (NAB) custody since October 5 in connection to the case, was presented before anaccountability court in Lahore as the accountability watchdog sought an extension in his remand.

Prior to the hearing, security had been tightened in and around the court premises and roads leading to it had been blocked for traffic. As Judge Najmul Hassan began hearing the case, Shehbaz's counsel argued that the PML-N president has been in NAB's custody for 55 days now.

Following this, the judge inquired, Has NAB still not concluded the investigation in this case?" The NAB prosecutor replied, National Assembly sessions were underway for several days owing to which the investigation could not be carried out." Shehbaz once again interrupted and said, Investigation was underway and I was even given a questionnaire during that time.

" Presenting his arguments, the NAB prosecutor said, "Shehbaz misused his authority in Ashiana Iqbal Housing Scheme and he is accused of causing a loss of millions to the national exchequer during his term as Punjab chief minister." Further, NAB investigation officer added, "We are not saying that he was involved in corruption but want to investigate the gifts that he had given.

" "There is no record of the gift that was given to Hamza Shehbaz in 2011. We can present the tax returns and ask how a gift worth Rs60 million was given?" the NAB investigation officer said. At this, Shehbaz's lawyer Amjad Pervaiz said, "The investigation officer should talk about the Ashiana Iqbal case and if there are any irregularities pertaining to it.

" Shehbaz added, "I was not allowed to meet others named in the Ashiana Iqbal Housing Scheme case." The judge then asked whether statements of these people been recorded" and the NAB prosecutor informed him that they have been.

Shehbaz's medical reports presented in court Furthermore, Shehbaz's medical reports were presented in court as thePervaiz informed the judge that his client is suffering from cancer. To this, the NAB investigation officer said, "A board comprising medical specialists will be formed for Shehbaz and we are ready to provide him with whatever treatment he desires.

" Shehbaz...