Lahore High Court (LHC) on Wednesday approved the extension of interim bails in three separate references of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader Hamza Shahbaz till May 28.
A two-member bench of the LHC comprised of Justice Ali Baqir Najafi and Justice Sardar Ahmed Naeem heard the case.
Earlier on May 15, Hamza appeared before the LHC to seek an extension in interim bail in cases pertaining to assets beyond means, Ramzan Sugar Mills and Saaf Pani Company scam.
As the hearing begins, defence lawyer told the court that no secret document should be kept hidden from the accused as per Anti-Money Laundering Act and the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) is bound to provide the documents to the accused within seven days.
Hamza’s counsel told the court that where was NAB since past 12 years and today they registered a case of assets beyond means case. To which Justice Ali Baqir Najafi sarcastically responded that I am not the chairman of the anti-graft watchdog.
At which, Hamza’s lawyer told the court that I am not saying so that one of the honourable judges is chairman NAB.
Hamza’s counsel in his arguments said that they [NAB] has spoiled the reputation of my client an the entire nation by labeling him as a money launderer. To which, Justice Najafi in his remarks narrated an Urdu poetry’s verse ‘Badnam Na Hoon Ge Tu Kiya Naam Na Hoga’.
By expressing anger towards NAB, Hamza’s lawyer said that if my client will be acquitted from the charges in future we will sue the anti-graft watchdog, by adding that I am sure that they will still not present me the documents.
Later on, the court extended the bail of Hamza Shahbaz in three separate references till May 28.
