ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court has issued notice to the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) on the bail application of Hamza Shehbaz.
The court also expressed disappointment over the non-arrest of co-accused including Salman Shehbaz. Justice Yahya Afridi remarked that it would be a mountain to climb without merit. Justice Mushir Alam said that it would be difficult to review the planned accounts from Hamza Shehbaz, it would be better not to make any observation on merit from the court, he remarked.
The Supreme Court sought details of NAB cases against Hamza Shehbaz in the Accountability Court Lahore. The court inquired how many cases are still pending in the trial court.
Justice Yahya Afridi said that no one should be discriminated against during the trial court. The Supreme Court has ordered that NAB cases be heard on a daily basis.
The court also expressed frustration over the non-arrest of Salman Shehbaz and other co-accused. The Supreme Court sought details of confiscation of property of all the absconding accused including Salman Shehbaz.
The Supreme Court inquired as to why the property of the fugitive accused has not been confiscated yet. The court has also sought a reply from the NAB on the delay in the confiscation proceedings.
Justice Yahya Afridi asked the NAB lawyer how much time the NAB needs to record the statements of witnesses. Additional Prosecutor NAB Imran-ul-Haq told the Supreme Court that NAB would record the statements of all witnesses in six months.
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Justice Tariq Masood said that it was the job of NAB to arrest one and release the others. You arrested the accused in 2019. Why the properties could not be confiscated? he asked.
Justice Yahya Afridi directed that all the pending cases of NAB be submitted to the court. The Supreme Court has adjourned the hearing of the case indefinitely.
