Bushra Siddiqui

Accountability Court has issued a directive to the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) to record the statement of former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif in the Toshakhana case by November 30. The case, being heard in Islamabad, involves Asif Zardari, Nawaz Sharif, and Yousaf Raza Gillani.

Representatives for Nawaz Sharif, including his pleader (representative) Rana Arifan and lawyer Justice Masbah, appeared in the Accountability Court. Lawyer Masbah urged NAB to record Nawaz Sharif’s statement. In response, Judge Muhammad Bashir questioned the issues surrounding recording Nawaz Sharif’s statement and sought clarification.

The NAB prosecutor stated that the investigative officer has recorded the statement, and there is no issue from their side. Lawyer Masbah requested a questionnaire for the statement, promising to provide the necessary responses.

Addressing Nawaz Sharif’s absence, Masbah highlighted that the reference was filed when Nawaz Sharif was not present, and now, he has joined the proceedings.

Approving the request to record Nawaz Sharif’s statement, Judge Muhammad Bashir directed NAB to complete the process by November 30. It’s important to note that Nawaz Sharif returned to the country last October and appeared in court, leading to the court lifting the perpetual warrants and instructing the return of his confiscated assets.

The Accountability Court had issued confiscation orders in October 2020, following decisions related to the Toshakhana reference against Nawaz Sharif. Subsequently, properties exceeding 1650 kanals of agricultural land and luxury vehicles were seized in Lahore.