Pakistan Police Stop Scribes From Questioning Nawaz Sharif

The police in Islamabad barred journalists from posing questions to former Pakistan prime minister Nawaz Sharif as he appeared before the Accountability Court in Islamabad on Thursday, October 4. Sharif appeared before Accountability Court-II Judge Arshad Malik, who is hearing the Al-Azizia Steel Mills and Flagship Investment corruption cases against him and his family, Geo News reported.

READ: Former Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, Daughter Maryam Nawaz, Son-in-law Captain Safdar Granted Bail, Jail Sentences Suspended In Corruption Case

While Sharif came for the hearing, the police told scribes that they could only exchange greetings with the three-time Pakistan prime minister, but are not allowed to talk about any other issues. The trial against the Sharifs in the corruption cases against them had started on September 14 in 2017.

READ: Ex- Prime Minister Of Pakistan, Nawaz Sharif's Wife, Begum Kulsoom Passes Away At The Age Of 68

On July 6, Sharif and his daughter Maryam Nawaz were convicted in absentia in the Avenfield case by the Accountability Court. Apart from serving jail sentences, fines of eight million pounds and two million pounds were slapped on the father-daughter duo, respectively. Sharif's son-in-law Captain (retd.) Muhammad Safdar, on the other hand, was given a one-year sentence but was exempted from paying fine.

READ: Pakistan Court Summons Nawaz Sharif In Treason Case Over Mumbai Attack Remarks

However, last month, the Islamabad High Court had ordered the release of the trio in the Avenfield reference case, owing to lack of evidence. Meanwhile, Sharif's wife Begum Kulsoom passed away after a long battle with cancer. On September 10, 2018, Kulsoom was placed under life support system as she was not keeping well. Kulsoom breathed her last on  September 11, 2018. Sharif's two sons -- Hussain and Hasan have been absconding ever since the proceedings began in 2017, with the court having declared the two brothers as proclaimed offenders.