IHC asks Nawaz to appear by Nov 24 to avoid PO label

Published October 10, 2020
Former prime minister Nawaz Sharif virtually addresses a meeting of the PML-N's Central Executive Committee. — Photo courtesy Maryam Nawaz Twitter/File
Former prime minister Nawaz Sharif virtually addresses a meeting of the PML-N's Central Executive Committee. — Photo courtesy Maryam Nawaz Twitter/File

ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has directed former prime minister Nawaz Sharif to appear before the court by Nov 24 to avoid being declared a proclaimed offender.

The IHC’s Registrar Office on Friday issued a written order in the proceedings on the appeal in Al-Azizia and Avenfield references.

A two-member division bench of the IHC comprising Justice Aamer Farooq and Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani issued the order.

On Oct 7, the court recorded statements of Dildar Ali Abro, the first secretary (consular affairs), and Rao Abdul Hannan, consular attaché, Pakistan High Commission, London, as well as Mohammad Mubashir Khan, director for Europe-I, at the Foreign Ministry.

Mubashir Khan tendered as evidence various documents to substantiate that efforts were made in compliance with the court orders to effect service of non-bailable warrants of arrest on Mr Sharif.

“The examination of statements of above-mentioned witnesses as well as the documents show that all-out efforts were made for effecting service of non-bailable warrants of arrest on Mian Mohammad Nawaz Sharif in the above-mentioned appeals to ensure his attendance in the court as required under the law, the court order said, adding: “Despite efforts, it is abundantly clear that service of warrants could not be effected. It is not possible to conclude in such circumstances that appellant is unaware about the pendency of appeal or the requirement to appear before the court, especially so as learned principal counsel for appellant, namely Khawaja Haris Ahmed, Senior Advocate of Supreme Court, stopped appearing in the matter after order dated September 15, 2020.”

The court issued non-bailable warrants for Mr Sharif on the said date after which Khawaja Haris stopped arguing the case.

“In this view of the matter, we are left with no option but to proceed further under section 87 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898, and order issuance of proclamation for effecting service and intimating the appellant to appear before the court on the date fixed,” the court order stated.

Proclamation shall be published in daily Dawn and daily Jang and copies of the same shall again be served upon the appellant through High Commission of Pakistan in the United Kingdom, the court ordered. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs shall do the needful in this behalf. The necessary expenses for proclamation shall be borne by the federal government and be paid within a week of this order, it added.

Published in Dawn, October 10th, 2020

Opinion

Editorial

Kurram atrocity
Updated 22 Nov, 2024

Kurram atrocity

It would be a monumental mistake for the state to continue ignoring the violence in Kurram.
Persistent grip
22 Nov, 2024

Persistent grip

An audit of polio funds at federal and provincial levels is sorely needed, with obstacles hindering eradication efforts targeted.
Green transport
22 Nov, 2024

Green transport

THE government has taken a commendable step by announcing a New Energy Vehicle policy aiming to ensure that by 2030,...
Military option
Updated 21 Nov, 2024

Military option

While restoring peace is essential, addressing Balochistan’s socioeconomic deprivation is equally important.
HIV/AIDS disaster
21 Nov, 2024

HIV/AIDS disaster

A TORTUROUS sense of déjà vu is attached to the latest health fiasco at Multan’s Nishtar Hospital. The largest...
Dubious pardon
21 Nov, 2024

Dubious pardon

IT is disturbing how a crime as grave as custodial death has culminated in an out-of-court ‘settlement’. The...