ISLAMABAD: Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Wednesday has begun proceedings to declare Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supremo and former Prime Minister (PM) Nawaz Sharif as proclaimed offender in Al-Azizia and Avenfield references.

During the hearing, the court has decided to record testimonies of the officers who were given task to implement arrest warrant of Nawaz Sharif through United Kingdom’s County Court. Notices to National Accountability Bureau (NAB) and federal government have also been issued to submit reply till October 7.

Justice Amir Farooq passed the remarks that former prime minister Nawaz Sharif's exit from Pakistan is a "mockery of the system".

Government's lawyer, while briefing the court on the attempts made to arrest Nawaz Sharif, said an officer of the Pakistani High Commission, had visited the residence of the PML-N chief in London.

“Every effort was made to enforce Nawaz Sharif's arrest warrant,” the government's lawyer told the court.

Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani in his remarks during the hearing said that the former prime minister fled London by deceiving the government of Pakistan and the people of the country.

“People around the world are laughing at us”, he was quoted as saying.

The court termed the behavior of the former prime minister as a shameful act.” We have to see that is Nawaz Sharif deliberately avoiding court appearances”, Justice Kayani remarked.

Previously, Additional Attorney General had assured the court that official of Pakistan High Commission will reach the PML-N supremo’s residence in London to inform him about court orders. IHC rejects Nawaz's exemption plea, issued non-bailable arrest warrant

IHC had issued non-bailable arrest warrant against Nawaz Sharif for September 22 and rejected his plea seeking exemption from the hearing.

The court had also directed the concerned authorities to initiate proceedings to declare him as proclaimed offender. PML-N supremo’s petition to continue the case hearings through legal representative was also turned down by the IHC.

Nawaz Sharif files review petition against IHC order to surrender. Nawaz Sharif had requested the IHC to nullify its ruling and allow him to become a part of the court proceedings through his representative. Nawaz Sharif made the request on medical grounds.

It is pertinent here to mention that the IHC had ordered Nawaz Sharif to surrender and appear on September 10 at any cost in the Al-Azizia Steel Mills corruption reference.

Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kiyani had said in his remarks, “Nawaz Sharif has to appear before the court for hearing. He may face additional three-year imprisonment if he is absconder in the reference. Skipping appearances in the trial is also a crime.”

An accountability court on July 06, 2018 jailed former prime minister Nawaz Sharif, daughter Maryam Nawaz and son-in-law Captain (r) Muhammad Safdar for 10, 7 and 1 year respectively, in Avenfield properties reference case filed by the National Accountability Bureau.

NAB’s prosecutor had argued law turns onus of proof on accused after ownership of flats [by Sharifs] has been established. He said, “The agreement of money transfer turned out to be fake. Likewise, the deed declaring Maryam Nawaz trustee was also proved fake. She possesses assets beyond her declared source of income.”

NAB prosecutor further added Sharifs had not registered ‘Calibri font’ trust deed in UK. He said, “Maryam Nawaz crafted this trust deed and declared his brother beneficial owner.” Maryam Nawaz and Captain (r) Safdar, who were candidates for the general elections 2018, were also disqualified from contesting elections for 10 years each.

The sentence and a fine of 8 million pounds, or $10.6 million, came almost a year after Supreme Court removed Sharif from office and less than five months after the court barred him from holding office for life. NNI