ISLAMABAD – Nawaz Sharif’s lawyer Khawaja Haris has requested the accountability court in Islamabad not to treat the report prepared by Joint Investigation Team as evidence.
Resuming his arguments in the Avenfield reference on Monday, the lawyer argued that he would respond to the second part of the statement of NAB’s star witness Wajid Zia.
As the hearing was underway the accountability court Judge Muhammad Bashir remarked that none of the accused – Nawaz Sharif, Maryam Nawaz, Captain (r) Safdar – were present in the ciurtroom.
To this, Haris replied that Maryam and Sharif were not in the country and Captain (retd) Safdar would appear in court shortly.
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Nawaz’s lawyer contended that a summary of documents not presented by his client could not be used against him, saying that the investigation officer’s opinion could not be considered as acceptable evidence in the case.
Regarding the letters sent to the JIT by the Qatari prince in response to the former’s queries, Nawaz’s lawyer asserted that the letters had nothing to with his client, Nawaz Sharif.
He also objected to the highlighting of contradictions by the six-member JIT and claimed that it was the court’s job.
Haris alleged that the investigation officer was under influence because of giving his opinion.
“Wajid Zia could have presented the letters, but he should not have commented on them,” Nawaz’s lawyer informed the court, adding that Nawaz was mentioned in one page 28 of the JIT head’s statement.
In the last hearing on June 23, Haris in his concluding arguments said the prosecution had to prove the ownership of the London flats in the case. He reiterated that his client was neither the beneficial owner of the upscale London apartments nor had anything to do with the properties.
Nawaz Sharif and his sons Hussain and Hasan are accused in all three references – Hill Metal establishment, London flats and offshore firms – whereas his daughter Maryam and son-in-law MNA Capt (retd) Safdar are named in the Avenfield reference only.
Hussain and Hassan Nawaz are UK-based and have been absconding since the proceedings began last year, however, the former premier has been showing up regularly before the court of judge Muhammad Bashir.
