NAB arrests Shehbaz Sharif in Ramzan Sugar Mills case

PML-N President and Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly Shehbaz Sharif was presented before an accountability court in Lahore on Saturday morning.

NAB informed the accountability court that it has arrested Shehbaz Sharif in the Ramzan Sugar Mills case. It has asked the court for his 15-day physical remand in the case. The bureau says the former Punjab chief minister used public funds to benefit the sugar mills.

Shehbaz was originally presented before the court in the Ashiana Iqbal Housing scam. NAB is asking for an extension in his physical remand. He has been in NAB custody since October 5.

His son Hamza , who is the leader of the opposition in the Punjab Assembly, was also present in the court.

Strict security measures were taken outside the court for Shehbaz’s arrival. The anti-riot force was deployed. During his previous appearances, PML-N workers gathered and tried to block his vehicle from going forward.

Earlier, the NAB prosecutor requested the court for a 15-day extension in Shehbaz’s physical remand. Shehbaz’s counsel, however, cited examples of various court judgments and opposed NAB’s request.

“DG NAB Lahore Saleem Shahzad has become a party in Shehbaz’s case and has been giving interviews on different talks shows,” Pervaiz said.

Further, Shehbaz’s counsel said, “NAB summoned the PML-N president for the first time in June 2018. Shehbaz appeared before the accountability watchdog whenever he was summoned and cooperated in the investigations.”

“Till date, NAB has not been able to provide any solid evidence against Shehbaz in the Ashiana Housing scheme thus there is no reason to extend his remand,” the former Punjab chief minister’s counsel asserted.

A large number of PML-N workers had gathered outside the court and security had been increased around the premises during the hearing.