IHC asks NAB to first prove Nawaz Sharif's link with London flats, then come to Maryam's role in it.

ISLAMABAD -- The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Tuesday directed the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) to first prove the link of former prime minister Nawaz Sharif with Avenfield Property and then Maryam's Nawaz's role in it.

A two-judge bench comprising Justice Aamer Farooq and Justice Mohsin Akhter Kayani heard the appeals of Maryam Nawaz and her husband Capt. (reted) Muhammad Safdar against their conviction in Avenfield Property reference. Maryam Nawaz appeared before the court along with her legal team.

At the outset of hearing, NAB Prosecutor Usman Cheema read out the judgment dated June 23, 2021 regarding declaring former prime minister Nawaz Sharif as absconder in the same case. The former prime minister could file his appeal anytime when he surrendered before the court, he said.

Justice Aamer Farooq remarked that the appeal of Nawaz Sharif was not dismissed on merit but because of being declared absconder. The court was hearing Maryam's appeal on merit in which the defence had raised legal weaknesses in trial.

The court asked the NAB to first prove the Nawaz Sharif's link with Nelson and Nescom, then the connection of these companies with this property and after this, prove the role of Maryam Nawaz.

The court remarked that it was not hearing Nawaz Sharif's case now, adding that the indictment didn't mean that the charges had been proved against the accused.

Justice Farooq remarked that the observations of the top court wouldn't benefit the prosecution as the NAB had to prove its case independently.

The bench further remarked that the...