Former Pakistan Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/nawaz-sharif-remains-critical-platelet-count-drops-again-259651">Nawaz Sharif</a> will spend Tuesday night in Lahore's Services Hospital where he has been undergoing medical treatment since the past two weeks.

Sharif was discharged from the hospital earlier today and was due to be shifted to Sharif Medical City Hospital. However, he decided to delay his departure after the release orders for his daughter <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-maryam-nawaz-gets-bail-in-chaudhry-sugar-mills-case-259901">Maryam Nawaz</a> could not be obtained from Lahore High Court.

Maryam has been undergoing treatment at the same hospital and is awaiting her release on bail in the Chaudhry Sugar Mills case after the LHC had granted her request a day earlier, as per a report by Dawn.

Nawaz's discharge slip was issued by the hospital on Tuesday evening after a medical check-up was done. An ambulance from Sharif Medical City Hospital had arrived to transport the former premier but was later sent back after Sharif decided to extend the stay.

Nawaz has procured bail on medical grounds from the Lahore High Court in the ongoing Chaudhry Sugar Mills case.

In addition, his seven-year jail sentence in the Al Azizia case has also been suspended by the Islamabad High Court for eight weeks on medical grounds.

Former Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif will spend Tuesday night in Lahore's Services Hospital where he has been undergoing medical treatment since the past two weeks.

Former Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif will spend Tuesday night in Lahore's Services Hospital where he has been undergoing medical treatment since the past two weeks. Sharif was discharged from the hospital earlier today and was due to be shifted to Sharif Medical City Hospital. However, he decided to delay his departure after the release orders for his daughter Maryam Nawaz could not be obtained from Lahore High Court. Maryam has been undergoing treatment at the same hospital and is awaiting her release on bail in the Chaudhry Sugar Mills case after the LHC had granted her request a day earlier, as per a report by Dawn. Nawaz's discharge slip was issued by the hospital on Tuesday evening after a medical check-up was done. An ambulance from Sharif Medical City Hospital had arrived to transport the former premier but was later sent back after Sharif decided to extend the stay. Nawaz has procured bail on medical grounds from the Lahore High Court in the ongoing Chaudhry Sugar Mills case. In addition, his seven-year jail sentence in the Al Azizia case has also been suspended by the Islamabad High Court for eight weeks on medical grounds.

Nawaz Sharif's transfer to Sharif Medical City Hospital deferred

Former Pakistan prime minister Nawaz Sharif continues to remain critical and his platelet count has dropped again even as doctors are trying to reduce the steroid dose being administered to the ailing leader.

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Former PM <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NawazSharif?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NawazSharif</a> remains critical. The treating doctors tried to reduce the Steroids dose being given to him but unfortunately resulted in drop in Platelet count again which has come down to 38*10^3/uL yesterday. 
The cause needs to be diagnosed &amp; established without delay.
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Sharif's personal physician Adnan Khan tweeted on Saturday."Severe existent co-morbidities has added to the seriousness of the nature of the critical illness, where a very delicate balance has to be maintained between coagulation &amp; anti-coagulation to sustain fragile unstable health status," he said in a follow-up tweet.

Earlier on Tuesday, the doctor said that Sharif's health was in a critical condition and fighting a battle for survival.

Sharif, who was admitted to Lahore's Services Hospital on October 22, is being treated under the supervision of the special medical board of the hospital.

Doctors treating the ailing leader have said that they cannot discharge him from the hospital citing serious health risks, sources told Geo News on Monday.

The 69-year-old Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supremo's platelet count had decreased, with the number dropping to 25,000 from 45,000.

As per the medical board, the platelet count had dwindled owing to medicines being administered to Sharif for a cardiac disease following a minor heart attack earlier.

Doctors have advised that Sharif should be kept under observation till the platelet count comes back to normal.

They added that the ailing leader faces a "serious health concern" and could not risk shifting or discharging him.

Sharif was earlier granted bail by the Islamabad High Court on medical grounds in connection with Al Azizia and Chaudhry Sugar Mills corruption cases.

The ailing Pakistani leader was serving a seven-year imprisonment in the Al-Azizia case in Kot Lakhpat jail in Lahore.

Besides this, he was remanded in NAB custody in the Chaudhry Sugar Mills matter. (ANI)

Former Pakistan prime minister Nawaz Sharif continues to remain critical and his platelet count has dropped again even as doctors are trying to reduce the steroid dose being administered to the ailing leader.

Former Pakistan prime minister Nawaz Sharif continues to remain critical and his platelet count has dropped again even as doctors are trying to reduce the steroid dose being administered to the ailing leader. Former PM #NawazSharif remains critical. The treating doctors tried to reduce the Steroids dose being given to him but unfortunately resulted in drop in Platelet count again which has come down to 38*10^3/uL yesterday. The cause needs to be diagnosed & established without delay. — Dr. Adnan Khan (@Dr_Khan) November 2, 2019 × Sharif's personal physician Adnan Khan tweeted on Saturday."Severe existent co-morbidities has added to the seriousness of the nature of the critical illness, where a very delicate balance has to be maintained between coagulation & anti-coagulation to sustain fragile unstable health status," he said in a follow-up tweet. Earlier on Tuesday, the doctor said that Sharif's health was in a critical condition and fighting a battle for survival. Sharif, who was admitted to Lahore's Services Hospital on October 22, is being treated under the supervision of the special medical board of the hospital. Doctors treating the ailing leader have said that they cannot discharge him from the hospital citing serious health risks, sources told Geo News on Monday. The 69-year-old Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supremo's platelet count had decreased, with the number dropping to 25,000 from 45,000. As per the medical board, the platelet count had dwindled owing to medicines being administered to Sharif for a cardiac disease following a minor heart attack earlier. Doctors have advised that Sharif should be kept under observation till the platelet count comes back to normal. They added that the ailing leader faces a "serious health concern" and could not risk shifting or discharging him. Sharif was earlier granted bail by the Islamabad High Court on medical grounds in connection with Al Azizia and Chaudhry Sugar Mills corruption cases. The ailing Pakistani leader was serving a seven-year imprisonment in the Al-Azizia case in Kot Lakhpat jail in Lahore. Besides this, he was remanded in NAB custody in the Chaudhry Sugar Mills matter. (ANI)

Pakistan: Former PM Nawaz Sharif remains critical, platelet count drops again

Doctors treating former Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif have said that they cannot discharge the ailing leader from Lahore's Services Hospital citing serious health risk, sources told Geo News on Monday.

Sharif, who was <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/former-pakistan-prime-minister-nawaz-sharif-suffers-heart-attack-258268">admitted to the hospital</a> a week ago, is being treated under the supervision of the special medical board of Services Hospital.

The 69-year-old Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supremo's platelet count had decreased, with the number dropping to 25,000 from 45,000, according to the Pakistani media outlet.

As per the medical board, the platelet count had dwindled owing to medicines being administered to Sharif for a cardiac disease following a minor heart attack earlier. Later, the platelet count of the former Prime Minister rose up further.

Doctors have advised that Sharif should be kept under observation till the platelet count comes back to normal.

They added that the ailing leader faces a "serious health concern" and could not risk shifting or discharging him.

When Sharif's platelet count dropped to 25,000, doctors did not give him medication for his cardiac condition, saying they were concerned both about his heart and platelet count.

Sources said that doctors have decided to conduct a full-body scan, which they hope would reveal all body parts that have been affected.

Meanwhile, Sharif's mother Shamim Akhtar had met him in the hospital.

Sharif was earlier <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/nawaz-sharif-got-2-day-bail-from-islamabad-high-court-after-health-worsen-258330">granted bail </a>by the Islamabad High Court on medical grounds in connection with Al Azizia and Chaudhry Sugar Mills corruption cases.

The ailing Pakistani leader was serving a seven-year imprisonment in the Al-Azizia case in Kot Lakhpat jail in Lahore. Besides this, he was remanded in NAB custody in the Chaudhry Sugar Mills matter.

On October 22, Sharif was rushed to Services Hospital from the NAB office after a massive drop in his platelet count.

Doctors treating former Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif have said that they cannot discharge the ailing leader from Lahore's Services Hospital citing serious health risk, sources told Geo News on Monday.

Doctors treating former Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif have said that they cannot discharge the ailing leader from Lahore's Services Hospital citing serious health risk, sources told Geo News on Monday. Sharif, who was admitted to the hospital a week ago, is being treated under the supervision of the special medical board of Services Hospital. The 69-year-old Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supremo's platelet count had decreased, with the number dropping to 25,000 from 45,000, according to the Pakistani media outlet. As per the medical board, the platelet count had dwindled owing to medicines being administered to Sharif for a cardiac disease following a minor heart attack earlier. Later, the platelet count of the former Prime Minister rose up further. Doctors have advised that Sharif should be kept under observation till the platelet count comes back to normal. They added that the ailing leader faces a "serious health concern" and could not risk shifting or discharging him. When Sharif's platelet count dropped to 25,000, doctors did not give him medication for his cardiac condition, saying they were concerned both about his heart and platelet count. Sources said that doctors have decided to conduct a full-body scan, which they hope would reveal all body parts that have been affected. Meanwhile, Sharif's mother Shamim Akhtar had met him in the hospital. Sharif was earlier granted bail by the Islamabad High Court on medical grounds in connection with Al Azizia and Chaudhry Sugar Mills corruption cases. The ailing Pakistani leader was serving a seven-year imprisonment in the Al-Azizia case in Kot Lakhpat jail in Lahore. Besides this, he was remanded in NAB custody in the Chaudhry Sugar Mills matter. On October 22, Sharif was rushed to Services Hospital from the NAB office after a massive drop in his platelet count.

Doctors cannot discharge Nawaz Sharif due to serious health risk: Report

Nawaz Sharif's 8 weeks bail plea approved by Islamabad High Court. Watch the complete video to find out more.

Nawaz Sharif's 8 weeks bail plea approved by Islamabad High Court

Islamabad High Court on Tuesday granted bail to former Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on medical grounds for eight weeks in Al Azizia case. Sharif is currently in a hospital in Lahore.

Islamabad High Court on Tuesday granted bail to former Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on medical grounds for eight weeks in Al Azizia case. Sharif is currently in a hospital in Lahore. The 69-year-old former premier, known as the "Lion of Punjab", was first taken to hospital last week when his blood platelet count dropped to dangerous levels. Earlier on Saturday, the same court granted him interim bail till Tuesday and the 8-week bail was granted today after the hearing. The Supreme Court disqualified Sharif from politics for life over graft allegations in 2017, and he later received a seven-year jail sentence. He denies all the corruption charges against him and claims he is being targeted by the country's powerful security establishment. Sharif's arch-rival Imran Khan took power in 2018, and has launched a high-profile and controversial anti-corruption drive.

Pakistan's former PM Nawaz Sharif granted bail on medical grounds for 8 weeks 

Nawaz Sharif got 2-day bail from Islamabad High Court as his health was worsening since last week. He is on oxygen support as well. Will he be allowed to travel abroad for treatment? Watch this video to know more.

Nawaz Sharif got 2-day bail from Islamabad High Court after health worsen

Islamabad High Court on Saturday granted interim bail to former Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif till Tuesday. The court granted the bail on health grounds in Al-Azizia reference case.

Islamabad High Court on Saturday granted interim bail to former Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif till Tuesday. The court granted the bail on health grounds in Al-Azizia reference case. Sharif was granted bail until for surety bond of Rs 20 lakh Pakistan currency. The Pakistan Muslim League party leader will not be able to go abroad because of the name being on ECL (Exit Control List). Earlier Sharif suffered a minor heart attack at Services Hospital in Lahore. Geo News reported that the former Prime Minister's health had deteriorated since he was rushed to Services Hospital earlier this week with critically low platelet count in his blood.

Former Pakistan PM Nawaz Sharif granted interim bail till Tuesday on medical grounds

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has dismissed a petition of former president retired <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-pervez-musharrafs-case-adjourned-till-october-24-254522">Gen Pervez Musharraf</a> seeking to remove the sections of Anti- Terrorism Act (ATA) in judges' detention case.

A division bench comprising IHC's Chief Justice Athar Minallah and Justice Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb on Wednesday heard the petition of the former president and subsequently dismissed the plea, The Express Tribune reported.

An anti-terrorism court (ATC) had already declared Musharraf proclaimed offender due to continuous non-appearance in the case.

The case was registered against him for confining 60 judges of the superior courts for more than five months after the imposition of emergency on November 3, 2007.

However, in 2013, a single-member bench of the IHC had ordered the police to invoke the anti-terror law against the former president since detaining judges is an act of terrorism.

Musharraf has been abroad since March 2016.

The prosecution has laid entire evidence against the accused in this case. However, the trial is standstill as the former leader is absconding in the case.

On August 11, 2009, the Secretariat police had registered the judges' detention case against Musharraf on the complaint of advocate Mohammad Aslam Ghumman.

The complainant said that the former president, soon after the imposition of emergency in 2007, had kept 60 judges of the superior courts under detention for over five months at their residences.

Interestingly, despite the prosecution's repeated requests none of the detained judges or their family members testified before the ATC. Moreover, the prosecution did not mention in the FIR names of the judges detained.

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has dismissed a petition of former president retired Gen Pervez Musharraf seeking to remove the sections of Anti- Terrorism Act (ATA) in judges' detention case.

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has dismissed a petition of former president retired Gen Pervez Musharraf seeking to remove the sections of Anti- Terrorism Act (ATA) in judges' detention case. A division bench comprising IHC's Chief Justice Athar Minallah and Justice Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb on Wednesday heard the petition of the former president and subsequently dismissed the plea, The Express Tribune reported. An anti-terrorism court (ATC) had already declared Musharraf proclaimed offender due to continuous non-appearance in the case. The case was registered against him for confining 60 judges of the superior courts for more than five months after the imposition of emergency on November 3, 2007. However, in 2013, a single-member bench of the IHC had ordered the police to invoke the anti-terror law against the former president since detaining judges is an act of terrorism. Musharraf has been abroad since March 2016. The prosecution has laid entire evidence against the accused in this case. However, the trial is standstill as the former leader is absconding in the case. On August 11, 2009, the Secretariat police had registered the judges' detention case against Musharraf on the complaint of advocate Mohammad Aslam Ghumman. The complainant said that the former president, soon after the imposition of emergency in 2007, had kept 60 judges of the superior courts under detention for over five months at their residences. Interestingly, despite the prosecution's repeated requests none of the detained judges or their family members testified before the ATC. Moreover, the prosecution did not mention in the FIR names of the judges detained.

Pakistan: Islamabad High Court rejects plea to drop terrorism charges against Pervez Musharraf

An accountability court here on Monday extended till August 8 the physical remand of former President Asif Ali Zardari and his sister Faryal Talpur in a money laundering case worth Rs 4.4 billion.

The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) had sought a 10-day physical remand of Zardari and that of five-day of Talpur.

During the proceedings, Zardari's counsel Farooq H Naek requested the court that it would be better if the two were presented in the court the same day, reported the Express Tribune.

Zardari was first arrested by the NAB in June, this year, after the Islamabad High Court (IHC) recalled the pre-arrest bail granted to him and his sister in the fake accounts case.

Zardari and his sister have denied any links with the fake accounts.

The two have the option of appealing the order in the Supreme court.

The case pertains to suspicious transactions worth Rs 4.4 billion allegedly carried out through a fictitious bank account.

In January last year, the Federation Investigation Agency (FIA) began an inquiry when the State Bank of Pakistan's financial monitoring unit issued a "suspicious transaction report" on 10 bank accounts.

Transactions worth billions were made over the years when over 20 bogus accounts were opened with a private bank.&nbsp;

An accountability court here on Monday extended till August 8 the physical remand of former President Asif Ali Zardari and his sister Faryal Talpur in a money laundering case worth Rs 4.

An accountability court here on Monday extended till August 8 the physical remand of former President Asif Ali Zardari and his sister Faryal Talpur in a money laundering case worth Rs 4.4 billion. The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) had sought a 10-day physical remand of Zardari and that of five-day of Talpur. During the proceedings, Zardari's counsel Farooq H Naek requested the court that it would be better if the two were presented in the court the same day, reported the Express Tribune. Zardari was first arrested by the NAB in June, this year, after the Islamabad High Court (IHC) recalled the pre-arrest bail granted to him and his sister in the fake accounts case. Zardari and his sister have denied any links with the fake accounts. The two have the option of appealing the order in the Supreme court. The case pertains to suspicious transactions worth Rs 4.4 billion allegedly carried out through a fictitious bank account. In January last year, the Federation Investigation Agency (FIA) began an inquiry when the State Bank of Pakistan's financial monitoring unit issued a "suspicious transaction report" on 10 bank accounts. Transactions worth billions were made over the years when over 20 bogus accounts were opened with a private bank.

Fake accounts case: Asif Ali Zardari's remand extended till August 8

An accountability court in Islamabad on Monday extended till July 29 the physical remand of Asif Ali Zardari, the former president of Pakistan.

Zardari was arrested by National Accountability Bureau (NAB) on July 2 after Islamabad High Court terminated his pre-arrest bail and that of his sister Faryal Talpur in the fake account case, reported Express Tribune.

The PPP leader's physical remand was extended by 13 days on July 02, after which he was supposed to be present in the accountability court today.

Zardari was also arrested by the anti-graft body earlier on June 10 in the fake accounts case.

The Park Lane Estate company is a Karachi-based real estate firm.

The anti-graft watchdog had initiated an inquiry against him and his son, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, on charges that they illegally transferred forest land to Karachi-based realty developers, The Park Lane Estate, in collusion with some government officials.

Bilawal was given a clean chit in the case on June 12.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

An accountability court in Islamabad on Monday extended till July 29 the physical remand of Asif Ali Zardari, the former president of Pakistan. Zardari was arrested by National Accountability Bureau (NAB) on July 2 after Islamabad High Court terminated his pre-arrest bail and that of his sister Faryal Talpur in the fake account case, reported Express Tribune.

An accountability court in Islamabad on Monday extended till July 29 the physical remand of Asif Ali Zardari, the former president of Pakistan. Zardari was arrested by National Accountability Bureau (NAB) on July 2 after Islamabad High Court terminated his pre-arrest bail and that of his sister Faryal Talpur in the fake account case, reported Express Tribune. The PPP leader's physical remand was extended by 13 days on July 02, after which he was supposed to be present in the accountability court today. Zardari was also arrested by the anti-graft body earlier on June 10 in the fake accounts case. The Park Lane Estate company is a Karachi-based real estate firm. The anti-graft watchdog had initiated an inquiry against him and his son, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, on charges that they illegally transferred forest land to Karachi-based realty developers, The Park Lane Estate, in collusion with some government officials. Bilawal was given a clean chit in the case on June 12.

Pakistan: Asif Ali Zardari's remand extended till July 29

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Friday asked law ministry to remove Accountability Judge Arshad Malik from his post, days after his video got leaked in which he admits that he was "pressurised and blackmailed" to convict <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-court-allows-nawaz-sharifs-personal-physician-to-visit-him-in-jail-234746">Nawaz Sharif</a>.

Chief Justice Aamer Farooq on Friday wrote to law ministry regarding relieving judge Malik of his post and repatriating him to the parent department i.e. the Lahore High Court, Dawn cited a source in the IHC.

On Saturday, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/maryam-nawazs-interview-forcefully-taken-off-air-alleges-pakistan-scribe-235179">Sharif's daughter Maryam</a>, along with two senior PML-N leaders Shehbaz Sharif and Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, had released a video purportedly showing judge Malik claiming that there was a lack of evidence against Sharif in the Al-Azizia Steel Mills reference.

However, Malik denied allegations and asserted that Maryam tried to bribe him during the former premier's trial.

On his part, Malik admitted that he knew Butt and his brother and said they were old acquaintances.

He said that Sharif's party was trying to defame him and termed the video was "fake and fallacious", Geo News reported.

Watch:&nbsp;Nawaz Sharif's daughter stirs a political row

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-nawaz-sharifs-daughter-stirs-a-political-row-234117/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"The video shown during the press conference is fake and based on lies and assumptions," Malik said.

Nawaz Sharif is currently serving a seven-year prison term in Lahore's Kot Lakhpat jail in connection with the steel mills corruption case.

In the video, the judge is seen purportedly speaking to Butt and claiming that he was coerced to hand down the prison sentence to Sharif despite there being no proof of corruption against the deposed premier.

The judge asked the authorities concerned to take legal notice of the matter and sought stern action against those involved in it.

Shortly after the press release, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Information and Broadcasting, Firdous Ashiq Awan, said that the government has decided to conduct a forensic audit of the video.

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Friday asked law ministry to remove Accountability Judge Arshad Malik from his post, days after his video got leaked in which he admits that he was "pressurised and blackmailed" to convict Nawaz Sharif.

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Friday asked law ministry to remove Accountability Judge Arshad Malik from his post, days after his video got leaked in which he admits that he was "pressurised and blackmailed" to convict Nawaz Sharif. Chief Justice Aamer Farooq on Friday wrote to law ministry regarding relieving judge Malik of his post and repatriating him to the parent department i.e. the Lahore High Court, Dawn cited a source in the IHC. On Saturday, Sharif's daughter Maryam, along with two senior PML-N leaders Shehbaz Sharif and Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, had released a video purportedly showing judge Malik claiming that there was a lack of evidence against Sharif in the Al-Azizia Steel Mills reference. However, Malik denied allegations and asserted that Maryam tried to bribe him during the former premier's trial. On his part, Malik admitted that he knew Butt and his brother and said they were old acquaintances. He said that Sharif's party was trying to defame him and termed the video was "fake and fallacious", Geo News reported. Watch: Nawaz Sharif's daughter stirs a political row "The video shown during the press conference is fake and based on lies and assumptions," Malik said. Nawaz Sharif is currently serving a seven-year prison term in Lahore's Kot Lakhpat jail in connection with the steel mills corruption case. In the video, the judge is seen purportedly speaking to Butt and claiming that he was coerced to hand down the prison sentence to Sharif despite there being no proof of corruption against the deposed premier. The judge asked the authorities concerned to take legal notice of the matter and sought stern action against those involved in it. Shortly after the press release, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Information and Broadcasting, Firdous Ashiq Awan, said that the government has decided to conduct a forensic audit of the video.

Pakistan: Islamabad High Court demands Nawaz Sharif case judge Arshad Malik's resignation

The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) here on Saturday submitted its reply in the Islamabad High Court (IHC) on the plea seeking suspension of former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif`s sentence in Al-Azizia Steel Mills case.

In its reply, the anti-corruption watchdog has opposed the suspension of Sharif`s sentence and requested the court to reject his plea, Dunya News reported.

Sharif cannot be released on bail as he is a convict and the accountability court had punished him after analysing the evidence, the NAB has stated.

Last month, a two-judge IHC bench comprising Justice Aamer Farooq and Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kiyani issued a notice to the federal government, the NAB and the superintendent of the jail to submit their responses on the matter within two weeks.

On March 26, the Supreme Court had granted a six-week bail to the former Prime Minister on medical grounds, which expired on May 7.

Apart from seeking suspension of his sentence, the petition, filed by Sharif on May 20, also said that the three-time Prime Minister had invested in his children`s companies. His sons, Hussain and Hassan, had no known sources of income and they were under the guardianship of their father, according to Sharif`s plea.

The case will be next heard on June 25.

In December last year, accountability court judge Arshad Malik had convicted Sharif in the Al-Azizia/Hill Metal Establishment reference. The court sentenced him seven-year imprisonment, besides imposing a fine of Rs 1.5 billion and USD 25 million on him.

Besides, the leader was also disqualified from holding any public office for a period of 10 years. The disqualification will go into effect following his release from jail after serving the seven-year sentence.

The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) here on Saturday submitted its reply in the Islamabad High Court (IHC) on the plea seeking suspension of former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif`s sentence in Al-Azizia Steel Mills case.

The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) here on Saturday submitted its reply in the Islamabad High Court (IHC) on the plea seeking suspension of former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif`s sentence in Al-Azizia Steel Mills case. In its reply, the anti-corruption watchdog has opposed the suspension of Sharif`s sentence and requested the court to reject his plea, Dunya News reported. Sharif cannot be released on bail as he is a convict and the accountability court had punished him after analysing the evidence, the NAB has stated. Last month, a two-judge IHC bench comprising Justice Aamer Farooq and Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kiyani issued a notice to the federal government, the NAB and the superintendent of the jail to submit their responses on the matter within two weeks. On March 26, the Supreme Court had granted a six-week bail to the former Prime Minister on medical grounds, which expired on May 7. Apart from seeking suspension of his sentence, the petition, filed by Sharif on May 20, also said that the three-time Prime Minister had invested in his children`s companies. His sons, Hussain and Hassan, had no known sources of income and they were under the guardianship of their father, according to Sharif`s plea. The case will be next heard on June 25. In December last year, accountability court judge Arshad Malik had convicted Sharif in the Al-Azizia/Hill Metal Establishment reference. The court sentenced him seven-year imprisonment, besides imposing a fine of Rs 1.5 billion and USD 25 million on him. Besides, the leader was also disqualified from holding any public office for a period of 10 years. The disqualification will go into effect following his release from jail after serving the seven-year sentence.

National Accountability Bureau submits reply on Nawaz Sharif's bail plea

Pakistan's election commission on Monday admitted a petition challenging the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pti-to-challenge-maryams-appointment-as-pml-n-vice-president-216570"> appointment of Maryam Nawaz</a>, the daughter of ousted premier Nawaz Sharif, as a PML-N vice president on grounds that she is ineligible to hold a public office.

The petition filed by members of the ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) was heard by a three-member bench headed by the chief election commissioner, during which the bench issued a notice to Maryam seeking her reply.&nbsp;

The commission has fixed the hearing of the petition for June 17, Dawn newspaper reported.

On May 3, PML-N President Shahbaz Sharif approved major changes to the party's structure, including Maryam's appointment as vice president of the party among a list of 16 vice presidents&nbsp;for the first time.

The petition argues that 45-year-old Maryam's appointment as a vice president of the PML-N is in conflict with the law and Constitution. It also covers the legal basis under which Maryam is ineligible to hold public office and includes a detailed mention of court decisions.&nbsp;

The PTI counsel in the hearing argued that an accountability court had declared Maryam to be a criminal in July 2018, adding that on September 19 that year, the Islamabad High Court had not dismissed her sentence.

Maryam, along with her husband Captain (retd) Muhammad Safdar and her father and former prime minister Nawaz Sharif, was sentenced by an accountability court on corruption charges in Avenfield corruption case in June last year. The case is related to the purchase of four flats by the Sharif family in Avenfield House, Park Lane, London.

While Maryam was sentenced to seven years, her father was awarded a 10-year jail term. Safdar was given a one-year prison sentence. In September last year, the Islamabad High Court suspended the sentence of the trio.&nbsp;

The chief election commissioner pointed out that the suspension of a sentence doesn't mean that a trial court sentence has been removed.

The petitioners' counsel maintained that Maryam cannot retain the position as vice president, and added that after the accountability court's decision, the Supreme Court had also declared that she was ineligible to hold his party position, the newspaper reported.

While speaking to media after the hearing, one of the petitioners, Maleeka Ali Bokhari, said: "It will be a denial of the democratic system of Pakistan if Maryam remains a vice president of PML-N."

"We are hopeful that we will be successful, and remove Maryam from the party position," Bukhari said, adding that this way the democratic system would be strengthened.&nbsp;

Pakistan's election commission on Monday admitted a petition challenging the appointment of Maryam Nawaz, the daughter of ousted premier Nawaz Sharif, as a PML-N vice president on grounds that she is ineligible to hold a public office.

Pakistan's election commission on Monday admitted a petition challenging the appointment of Maryam Nawaz, the daughter of ousted premier Nawaz Sharif, as a PML-N vice president on grounds that she is ineligible to hold a public office. The petition filed by members of the ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) was heard by a three-member bench headed by the chief election commissioner, during which the bench issued a notice to Maryam seeking her reply. The commission has fixed the hearing of the petition for June 17, Dawn newspaper reported. On May 3, PML-N President Shahbaz Sharif approved major changes to the party's structure, including Maryam's appointment as vice president of the party among a list of 16 vice presidents for the first time. The petition argues that 45-year-old Maryam's appointment as a vice president of the PML-N is in conflict with the law and Constitution. It also covers the legal basis under which Maryam is ineligible to hold public office and includes a detailed mention of court decisions. The PTI counsel in the hearing argued that an accountability court had declared Maryam to be a criminal in July 2018, adding that on September 19 that year, the Islamabad High Court had not dismissed her sentence. Maryam, along with her husband Captain (retd) Muhammad Safdar and her father and former prime minister Nawaz Sharif, was sentenced by an accountability court on corruption charges in Avenfield corruption case in June last year. The case is related to the purchase of four flats by the Sharif family in Avenfield House, Park Lane, London. While Maryam was sentenced to seven years, her father was awarded a 10-year jail term. Safdar was given a one-year prison sentence. In September last year, the Islamabad High Court suspended the sentence of the trio. The chief election commissioner pointed out that the suspension of a sentence doesn't mean that a trial court sentence has been removed. The petitioners' counsel maintained that Maryam cannot retain the position as vice president, and added that after the accountability court's decision, the Supreme Court had also declared that she was ineligible to hold his party position, the newspaper reported. While speaking to media after the hearing, one of the petitioners, Maleeka Ali Bokhari, said: "It will be a denial of the democratic system of Pakistan if Maryam remains a vice president of PML-N." "We are hopeful that we will be successful, and remove Maryam from the party position," Bukhari said, adding that this way the democratic system would be strengthened.

Pakistan election commission admits petition challenging Maryam's PML-N vice president appointment

The Islamabad High Court on Thursday allowed the two Hindu girls - who were kidnapped and allegedly converted - to go with their husbands. The incident was reported on the eve of Holi festival last month in the Sindh province.

The court today said that the interior secretary will be liable to provide protection to the girls and asked the inquiry commission to submit their final report and recommendations by May 14 when the case will come next for hearing.

"Has it been proved and cleared that the girls were not made to convert forcefully? For the satisfaction of minorities, we have tasked this to a commission. This, however, has been proved that the girls are not minors," Chief Justice Athar Minallah said today. 
&nbsp; 
After the hearing, interior secretary&nbsp;Maj Azam Sulaiman Khan (Retd) said that the government has already given protection to the girls as instructed by the court. 
&nbsp; 
"The girls were not made to convert to Islam forcefully. The court had asked us to inquire on this. Me and IA Rehman will meet the girls and conduct their interviews," he said.

IA Rehman, member of the inquiry commission set up by the court, said that there is an impression that a group is behind forced conversions and pleaded to the court to issue some instructions on the particular group. Justice Minallah was quick to respond saying that the province of Sindh does not come under the judicial territory of Islamabad High Court. Rehman also apprised the court that as per the inquiry commission's investigation, the girls were not converted forcefully. 
&nbsp; 
The court had come down heavily on authorities <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/why-federation-taking-this-case-so-lightly-islamabad-high-court-slams-authorities-over-alleged-forced-conversion-207412">during the last hearing</a>. "Why is it that such incidents happen in your area only? Why is the federation taking this case so lightly? We need to learn from other countries. Whatever the case is, the impact and message internationally are not encouraging," Chief Justice Athar Minallah had the Chief Secretary of Sindh province. 
&nbsp; 
We should learn from the incident in New Zealand. This is an Islamic Welfare state and minorities should have the right to free movement, the chief justice had said. 
&nbsp; 
The two girls were allegedly kidnapped from their home in Sindh's Ghotki district by a group of "influential" men on March 20, a day before Holi. They were converted to Islam and married to Muslim men. A video of a priest purportedly solemnising the marriage of the two girls went viral soon after, triggering nationwide outrage. Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan ordered a probe. 
&nbsp; 
The Pakistan police detained at least seven people, including a nikah khwan (marriage officiator), allegedly involved in the abduction, forced conversion, and marriage of the two sisters.

The Islamabad High Court on Thursday allowed the two Hindu girls - who were kidnapped and allegedly converted - to go with their husbands. The incident was reported on the eve of Holi festival last month in the Sindh province.

The Islamabad High Court on Thursday allowed the two Hindu girls - who were kidnapped and allegedly converted - to go with their husbands. The incident was reported on the eve of Holi festival last month in the Sindh province. The court today said that the interior secretary will be liable to provide protection to the girls and asked the inquiry commission to submit their final report and recommendations by May 14 when the case will come next for hearing. "Has it been proved and cleared that the girls were not made to convert forcefully? For the satisfaction of minorities, we have tasked this to a commission. This, however, has been proved that the girls are not minors," Chief Justice Athar Minallah said today. After the hearing, interior secretary Maj Azam Sulaiman Khan (Retd) said that the government has already given protection to the girls as instructed by the court. "The girls were not made to convert to Islam forcefully. The court had asked us to inquire on this. Me and IA Rehman will meet the girls and conduct their interviews," he said. IA Rehman, member of the inquiry commission set up by the court, said that there is an impression that a group is behind forced conversions and pleaded to the court to issue some instructions on the particular group. Justice Minallah was quick to respond saying that the province of Sindh does not come under the judicial territory of Islamabad High Court. Rehman also apprised the court that as per the inquiry commission's investigation, the girls were not converted forcefully. The court had come down heavily on authorities during the last hearing. "Why is it that such incidents happen in your area only? Why is the federation taking this case so lightly? We need to learn from other countries. Whatever the case is, the impact and message internationally are not encouraging," Chief Justice Athar Minallah had the Chief Secretary of Sindh province. We should learn from the incident in New Zealand. This is an Islamic Welfare state and minorities should have the right to free movement, the chief justice had said. The two girls were allegedly kidnapped from their home in Sindh's Ghotki district by a group of "influential" men on March 20, a day before Holi. They were converted to Islam and married to Muslim men. A video of a priest purportedly solemnising the marriage of the two girls went viral soon after, triggering nationwide outrage. Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan ordered a probe. The Pakistan police detained at least seven people, including a nikah khwan (marriage officiator), allegedly involved in the abduction, forced conversion, and marriage of the two sisters.

Forced conversion of Hindu girls: Pakistan court says girls not minors, allows them to be with their husbands

The Islamabad High Court on Tuesday came down heavily on authorities in a hearing on the alleged conversion of two Hindu girls in Sindh province. The incident was reported last month when the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/hindu-girls-abducted-in-pak-islamabad-high-court-orders-state-to-ensure-their-protection-205703">family members of the girls claimed that they were kidnapped</a> on the eve of Holi festival and converted.

"Why is it that such incidents happen in your area only? Why is the federation taking this case so lightly? We need to learn from other countries. Whatever the case is, the impact and message internationally are not encouraging," Chief Justice Athar Minallah told the Chief Secretary of Sindh province.

We should learn from the incident in New Zealand. This is an Islamic Welfare state and minorities should have the right to free movement, the chief justice added.

The girls' lawyers, meanwhile, claimed that they are not minors and converted and married as per their own will. They pleaded that the girls should be handed over to their husbands, but the chief justice said, "This matter is sensitive, we will go in its depth. We will do whatever the law says and is acceptable to all. We will not be issuing any verdict in rush."

The court posted the case for further hearing on April 11.

"The age reports are a secondary concern, the primary concern remains the way things are done. A statement should be taken in the free will of the girls in front of the magistrate and again after three months, another statement should be taken, like it's done in India, Malaysia, Indonesia etc. There are many countries where people convert to Islam but they are not questioned," said Ramesh Vankani, a member of the National Assembly from the ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party.

Senator Kishoo Bai of Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), who accompanied the girls' family to the court, rejected the medical report submitted by doctors saying that the family was not informed beforehand.

The high court formed a judicial inquiry commission to look into the matter and determine whether the case is of forced conversion. The court also accepted the family's plea to include Mufti Taqi Usmani in the inquiry commission ahead of naming the four-member inquiry commission. Before adjourning the hearing till the April 11, the court instructed the Federal Secretary Interior to be present before the court in the next hearing in his personal capacity.

The two girls were allegedly kidnapped from their home in Sindh's Ghotki district by a group of "influential" men on March 20, a day before Holi. They were converted to Islam and married to Muslim men. A video of a priest purportedly solemnising the marriage of the two girls went viral soon after, triggering nationwide outrage. Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan ordered a probe.

The Pakistan police detained at least seven people, including a nikah khwan (marriage officiator), allegedly involved in the abduction, forced conversion, and marriage of the two sisters.

Sushma Swaraj, India's External Affairs Minister, demanded last week that the girls be returned immediately to their families.

The Islamabad High Court on Tuesday came down heavily on authorities in a hearing on the alleged conversion of two Hindu girls in Sindh province. The incident was reported last month when the family members of the girls claimed that they were kidnapped on the eve of Holi festival and converted.

The Islamabad High Court on Tuesday came down heavily on authorities in a hearing on the alleged conversion of two Hindu girls in Sindh province. The incident was reported last month when the family members of the girls claimed that they were kidnapped on the eve of Holi festival and converted. "Why is it that such incidents happen in your area only? Why is the federation taking this case so lightly? We need to learn from other countries. Whatever the case is, the impact and message internationally are not encouraging," Chief Justice Athar Minallah told the Chief Secretary of Sindh province. We should learn from the incident in New Zealand. This is an Islamic Welfare state and minorities should have the right to free movement, the chief justice added. The girls' lawyers, meanwhile, claimed that they are not minors and converted and married as per their own will. They pleaded that the girls should be handed over to their husbands, but the chief justice said, "This matter is sensitive, we will go in its depth. We will do whatever the law says and is acceptable to all. We will not be issuing any verdict in rush." The court posted the case for further hearing on April 11. "The age reports are a secondary concern, the primary concern remains the way things are done. A statement should be taken in the free will of the girls in front of the magistrate and again after three months, another statement should be taken, like it's done in India, Malaysia, Indonesia etc. There are many countries where people convert to Islam but they are not questioned," said Ramesh Vankani, a member of the National Assembly from the ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party. Senator Kishoo Bai of Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), who accompanied the girls' family to the court, rejected the medical report submitted by doctors saying that the family was not informed beforehand. The high court formed a judicial inquiry commission to look into the matter and determine whether the case is of forced conversion. The court also accepted the family's plea to include Mufti Taqi Usmani in the inquiry commission ahead of naming the four-member inquiry commission. Before adjourning the hearing till the April 11, the court instructed the Federal Secretary Interior to be present before the court in the next hearing in his personal capacity. The two girls were allegedly kidnapped from their home in Sindh's Ghotki district by a group of "influential" men on March 20, a day before Holi. They were converted to Islam and married to Muslim men. A video of a priest purportedly solemnising the marriage of the two girls went viral soon after, triggering nationwide outrage. Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan ordered a probe. The Pakistan police detained at least seven people, including a nikah khwan (marriage officiator), allegedly involved in the abduction, forced conversion, and marriage of the two sisters. Sushma Swaraj, India's External Affairs Minister, demanded last week that the girls be returned immediately to their families.

'Why are you taking it so lightly?' Islamabad High Court slams authorities over alleged forced conversion of Hindu girls

The Islamabad High Court has ordered the state to take into custody the two Hindu sisters allegedly abducted, converted to Islam and married to Muslim men, Pakistan's Geo News reported Tuesday.&nbsp;

The two girls, who are 13 and 15, were allegedly kidnapped from their home in Sindh's Ghotki district by a group of "influential" men on March 20, a day before Holi. &nbsp;

A video of a priest purportedly solemnising the marriage of the two girls went viral soon after, triggering a nationwide outrage. Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan ordered a probe.

Geo TV reported earlier that the two sisters had approached a court in Bahawalpur in Pakistan's Punjab province seeking protection.&nbsp;

The news agency ANI reported on Tuesday that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-seven-people-arrested-for-abduction-forced-conversion-of-hindu-girls-205683">police have detained at least seven people</a>, including a nikah khwan (marriage officiator), allegedly involved in the abduction, forced conversion, and marriage of the two sisters.&nbsp;

Sushma Swaraj, India's External Affairs Minister, demanded on Tuesday that the girls be <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/abducted-hindu-girls-in-pakistan-sushma-swaraj-says-restore-them-to-their-families-immediately-205671">returned immediately</a> to their families.&nbsp;

"Justice demands that both these girls should be restored to their family immediately," Swaraj said on Twitter.&nbsp;

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Geo News: Islamabad High Court orders the state to ensure protection and take over the custody of two underage sisters from Ghotki, who were allegedly forcibly converted from Hinduism and married to Muslim men. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Pakistan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Pakistan</a> <a href="https://t.co/yaqmiN0sJM">pic.twitter.com/yaqmiN0sJM</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1110426540951683072?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 26, 2019</a></blockquote>
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On Sunday, New Delhi had sent a note verbale to Pakistan's Foreign Office stating its concerns over the abduction of the two girls.&nbsp;

The Islamabad High Court has ordered the state to take into custody the two Hindu sisters allegedly abducted, converted to Islam and married to Muslim men, Pakistan's Geo News reported Tuesday.

The Islamabad High Court has ordered the state to take into custody the two Hindu sisters allegedly abducted, converted to Islam and married to Muslim men, Pakistan's Geo News reported Tuesday. The two girls, who are 13 and 15, were allegedly kidnapped from their home in Sindh's Ghotki district by a group of "influential" men on March 20, a day before Holi. A video of a priest purportedly solemnising the marriage of the two girls went viral soon after, triggering a nationwide outrage. Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan ordered a probe. Geo TV reported earlier that the two sisters had approached a court in Bahawalpur in Pakistan's Punjab province seeking protection. The news agency ANI reported on Tuesday that police have detained at least seven people, including a nikah khwan (marriage officiator), allegedly involved in the abduction, forced conversion, and marriage of the two sisters. Sushma Swaraj, India's External Affairs Minister, demanded on Tuesday that the girls be returned immediately to their families. "Justice demands that both these girls should be restored to their family immediately," Swaraj said on Twitter. Geo News: Islamabad High Court orders the state to ensure protection and take over the custody of two underage sisters from Ghotki, who were allegedly forcibly converted from Hinduism and married to Muslim men. #Pakistan pic.twitter.com/yaqmiN0sJM — ANI (@ANI) March 26, 2019 × On Sunday, New Delhi had sent a note verbale to Pakistan's Foreign Office stating its concerns over the abduction of the two girls.

Hindu girls abducted in Pakistan: Islamabad High Court orders state to ensure their protection

A Pakistani top court has observed that the sentences of former prime minister Nawaz Sharif, his daughter and son-in-law in a corruption case "may not be ultimately sustainable" as it issued a detailed judgement on Wednesday, two weeks after freeing the trio on bail.

On September 19, a two-judge bench of the Islamabad High Court (IHC) gave the judgment on petitions filed by Sharif, Maryam and Capt (retd) Safdar challenging the Avenfield verdict against them.

Justice Athar Minallah read the judgment and suspended the sentences handed to the three by Accountability Court judge Mohammad Bashir on July 6.&nbsp;

Sharif, Maryam and Safdar were sentenced to 11 years, eight years and one year, respectively, in prison in the Avenfield properties case related to the purchase of four luxury flats in London through corrupt practices.

The 41-page judgment on the IHC's September 19 order has been written by Justice Minallah, Geo News reported.

"In hindsight, the sentences awarded to the suspects may not be ultimately sustainable," it quoted the judge as saying.

"The accountability court which awarded the sentences did not state how or refer to evidence regarding how Maryam assisted Nawaz (Sharif) in the purchase of the Avenfield apartments," it added.

Further, the judgement stated, "The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) mostly relied on Panama Papers case to argue their points against suspension in sentences."

The prosecution did not challenge the acquittal, the judgment read.

It said the court findings are not final and the judges said their opinions or observations will not influence the appeals, the bench further said in its judgment.

"We accept the petitioners' pleas seeking a suspension in their sentences," Justice Minallah said.

Ordering their release, the two-judge bench directed the former premier, his daughter and son-in-law to submit bail bonds worth Rs 500,000 each. 
Sharif, 68, Maryam, 44, and Safdar, 54, were also disqualified to contest elections or to hold public office for a period of 10 years after release. Both&nbsp; 
Maryam and Safdar are politicians.&nbsp;

The sentences will on the trio remain suspended till the final adjudication of the appeals filed by them.

Sharif and Maryam were arrested on July 13 upon arrival in Lahore from London.

On July 16, the Sharifs had filed appeals for the Avenfield verdict to be overturned.

Apart from the Avenfield case, the Sharifs face jail terms if they are convicted in two more corruption cases related to Al-Azizia and Flagship cases. The cases against the family stemmed from Panama Papers case in April 2016.

Meanwhile, the Supreme Court on Monday rejected a petition filed by the NAB challenging the IHC's decision to hear Sharifs' petitions against the Avenfield verdict.

On September 15, the anti-graft body had moved the Supreme Court in an effort to keep the IHC from ruling on an application from the Sharif family seeking the suspension of the Avenfield verdict.&nbsp;

However, imposing a Rs 20,000 fine on the anti-graft bureau, Chief Justice Saqib Nisar noted that justice should be served to petitioners.

A Pakistani top court has observed that the sentences of former prime minister Nawaz Sharif, his daughter and son-in-law in a corruption case "may not be ultimately sustainable" as it issued a detailed judgement on Wednesday, two weeks after freeing the trio on bail.

A Pakistani top court has observed that the sentences of former prime minister Nawaz Sharif, his daughter and son-in-law in a corruption case "may not be ultimately sustainable" as it issued a detailed judgement on Wednesday, two weeks after freeing the trio on bail. On September 19, a two-judge bench of the Islamabad High Court (IHC) gave the judgment on petitions filed by Sharif, Maryam and Capt (retd) Safdar challenging the Avenfield verdict against them. Justice Athar Minallah read the judgment and suspended the sentences handed to the three by Accountability Court judge Mohammad Bashir on July 6. Sharif, Maryam and Safdar were sentenced to 11 years, eight years and one year, respectively, in prison in the Avenfield properties case related to the purchase of four luxury flats in London through corrupt practices. The 41-page judgment on the IHC's September 19 order has been written by Justice Minallah, Geo News reported. "In hindsight, the sentences awarded to the suspects may not be ultimately sustainable," it quoted the judge as saying. "The accountability court which awarded the sentences did not state how or refer to evidence regarding how Maryam assisted Nawaz (Sharif) in the purchase of the Avenfield apartments," it added. Further, the judgement stated, "The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) mostly relied on Panama Papers case to argue their points against suspension in sentences." The prosecution did not challenge the acquittal, the judgment read. It said the court findings are not final and the judges said their opinions or observations will not influence the appeals, the bench further said in its judgment. "We accept the petitioners' pleas seeking a suspension in their sentences," Justice Minallah said. Ordering their release, the two-judge bench directed the former premier, his daughter and son-in-law to submit bail bonds worth Rs 500,000 each. Sharif, 68, Maryam, 44, and Safdar, 54, were also disqualified to contest elections or to hold public office for a period of 10 years after release. Both Maryam and Safdar are politicians. The sentences will on the trio remain suspended till the final adjudication of the appeals filed by them. Sharif and Maryam were arrested on July 13 upon arrival in Lahore from London. On July 16, the Sharifs had filed appeals for the Avenfield verdict to be overturned. Apart from the Avenfield case, the Sharifs face jail terms if they are convicted in two more corruption cases related to Al-Azizia and Flagship cases. The cases against the family stemmed from Panama Papers case in April 2016. Meanwhile, the Supreme Court on Monday rejected a petition filed by the NAB challenging the IHC's decision to hear Sharifs' petitions against the Avenfield verdict. On September 15, the anti-graft body had moved the Supreme Court in an effort to keep the IHC from ruling on an application from the Sharif family seeking the suspension of the Avenfield verdict. However, imposing a Rs 20,000 fine on the anti-graft bureau, Chief Justice Saqib Nisar noted that justice should be served to petitioners.

Convictions against Sharifs in Avenfield verdict may not be sustainable: Pak court

A hearing by Pakistan&#39;s accountability court against ousted Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, his daughter Maryam and son-in-law, retired Captain Safdar, in Islamabad was today adjourned till November 7.

The hearing against Nawaz Sharif and his family was adjourned after the court was unable to procure an order passed by the Islamabad High Court regarding the clubbing of the three references against the Sharif family in time, The Dawn reported.

Nawaz Sharif, Maryam and Safdar appeared in court appeared together in court for the first time today.

The Supreme Court had directed National Accountability Bureau to file references against Nawaz and his children in six weeks in the accountability court, The Dawn report said, adding that the court also directed the trial court to decide the references within six months.

The Sharif family is facing trial in connection with National Accountability Bureau references pertaining to the Avenfield flats, the Al-Azizia Steel Mills and Hill Metal Establishment. 
 
Nawaz Sharif paid two surety bonds of five million rupees ($48,000) each before leaving under tight security after the brief hearing, his lawyer Khawaja Haris told AFP.

Nawaz Sharif, who was forced out by the Supreme Court in July following a corruption investigation against him following the Panama Papers leak case, had been facing an arrest warrant for failing to appear at hearings since early October.

On Thursday, he arrived in Islamabad from London where he has spent most of the time with his wife who is receiving treatment for cancer.&nbsp;

Sharif and his supporters have denied the allegations and hinted at a political conspiracy driven by the powerful military.&nbsp;

&quot;I am going to Pakistan despite (my wife&#39;s) chemotherapy to appear in a bogus case,&quot; he told media in London before departing.

&quot;Pakistan&#39;s system has contradictions... all this must be changed, now is the time to change it.&quot;

He said nothing to media outside the court in Islamabad, but his son-in-law Muhammad Safdar also hinted at a conspiracy.&nbsp;

&quot;Till the time the courts are... free from the fear of some other people, I can&#39;t expect any fair trial from this court,&quot; Safdar said outside the court.

(With inputs from AFP)

The hearing against Nawaz Sharif and his family was adjourned till November 7 after the court was unable to procure an order passed by the Islamabad High Court regarding the clubbing of the three references against the Sharif family, a media report said

A hearing by Pakistan's accountability court against ousted Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, his daughter Maryam and son-in-law, retired Captain Safdar, in Islamabad was today adjourned till November 7. The hearing against Nawaz Sharif and his family was adjourned after the court was unable to procure an order passed by the Islamabad High Court regarding the clubbing of the three references against the Sharif family in time, The Dawn reported. Nawaz Sharif, Maryam and Safdar appeared in court appeared together in court for the first time today. The Supreme Court had directed National Accountability Bureau to file references against Nawaz and his children in six weeks in the accountability court, The Dawn report said, adding that the court also directed the trial court to decide the references within six months. The Sharif family is facing trial in connection with National Accountability Bureau references pertaining to the Avenfield flats, the Al-Azizia Steel Mills and Hill Metal Establishment. Nawaz Sharif paid two surety bonds of five million rupees ($48,000) each before leaving under tight security after the brief hearing, his lawyer Khawaja Haris told AFP. Nawaz Sharif, who was forced out by the Supreme Court in July following a corruption investigation against him following the Panama Papers leak case, had been facing an arrest warrant for failing to appear at hearings since early October. On Thursday, he arrived in Islamabad from London where he has spent most of the time with his wife who is receiving treatment for cancer. Sharif and his supporters have denied the allegations and hinted at a political conspiracy driven by the powerful military. "I am going to Pakistan despite (my wife's) chemotherapy to appear in a bogus case," he told media in London before departing. "Pakistan's system has contradictions... all this must be changed, now is the time to change it." He said nothing to media outside the court in Islamabad, but his son-in-law Muhammad Safdar also hinted at a conspiracy. "Till the time the courts are... free from the fear of some other people, I can't expect any fair trial from this court," Safdar said outside the court. (With inputs from AFP)

Accountability case hearing against Nawaz Sharif, family adjourned

Indian national Uzma, who had accused her Pakistani husband of marrying her at gunpoint, has finally returned to India, a day after the Islamabad High Court (IHC) granted her the permission to.

External Affairs minister Sushma Swaraj met her in the Indian capital soon after her return.

The IHC had also ordered police to provide her security till the Wagah Border.

An IHC bench, headed by Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani, returned Uzma her original immigration form, which her husband Tahir had submitted to the court on Tuesday, reported Geo News.

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Uzma - Welcome home India&#39;s daughter. I am sorry for all that you have gone through.
&mdash; Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) <a href="https://twitter.com/SushmaSwaraj/status/867611568124645376">May 25, 2017</a></blockquote>
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Tahir also expressed his desire to meet Uzma in private, which the latter refused.

Justice Kayani remarked that if Uzma does not want to meet Tahir, then she won&#39;t be forced.&nbsp;

Wasim Ahmad, brother of Uzma, said the Indian government had done more than expected for Uzma, who got permission from the Islamabad High Court to return to India.

He also said that the Indian Embassy treated Uzma with full care. She took shelter in the Indian High Commission in Islamabad on May 5, 2017.

He added that he had no words to thank the government, Swaraj, and Indian High Commission in Pakistan.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash">#WATCH</a> Indian woman Uzma returns to India via Attari-Wagah border, she alleged she was forced to marry a Pakistani <a href="https://t.co/x5FeEos6lS">pic.twitter.com/x5FeEos6lS</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI_news) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI_news/status/867618328872837120">May 25, 2017</a></blockquote>
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On May 19, Uzma had submitted a six-page reply to the High Court and reiterated her earlier claims and said that she was forced to sign the Nikkahnama [marriage papers].

The reply also claimed that Tahir`s affidavit was based on lies. The reply also requested that Uzma was allowed to travel to India as her visa would expire on May 30.

Earlier, while recording her statement before the Court of a Judicial Magistrate Uzma (20) also alleged that she was sedated, assaulted, tortured mentally and physically by the man in Pakistan who had invited her to visit his family in Pakistan.

Uzma, who hails from New Delhi, also stated the she had taken shelter in High Commission of India of her own accord and would stay there till she is sent back to India with security.

The case came to the forefront after her husband claimed that Indian High Commission has stopped her wife from leaving the premises during their visit to apply for visa on May 7.&nbsp;

(ANI)

Indian national Uzma, who had accused her Pakistani husband of marrying her at gunpoint, has finally returned to India, a day after the Islamabad High Court (IHC) granted her the permission to. External Affairs minister Sushma Swaraj met her in the Indian capital soon after her return. The IHC had also ordered police to provide her security till the Wagah Border. An IHC bench, headed by Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani, returned Uzma her original immigration form, which her husband Tahir had submitted to the court on Tuesday, reported Geo News. Uzma - Welcome home India's daughter. I am sorry for all that you have gone through. — Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) May 25, 2017 × Tahir also expressed his desire to meet Uzma in private, which the latter refused. Justice Kayani remarked that if Uzma does not want to meet Tahir, then she won't be forced. Wasim Ahmad, brother of Uzma, said the Indian government had done more than expected for Uzma, who got permission from the Islamabad High Court to return to India. He also said that the Indian Embassy treated Uzma with full care. She took shelter in the Indian High Commission in Islamabad on May 5, 2017. He added that he had no words to thank the government, Swaraj, and Indian High Commission in Pakistan. #WATCH Indian woman Uzma returns to India via Attari-Wagah border, she alleged she was forced to marry a Pakistani pic.twitter.com/x5FeEos6lS — ANI (@ANI_news) May 25, 2017 × On May 19, Uzma had submitted a six-page reply to the High Court and reiterated her earlier claims and said that she was forced to sign the Nikkahnama [marriage papers]. The reply also claimed that Tahir`s affidavit was based on lies. The reply also requested that Uzma was allowed to travel to India as her visa would expire on May 30. Earlier, while recording her statement before the Court of a Judicial Magistrate Uzma (20) also alleged that she was sedated, assaulted, tortured mentally and physically by the man in Pakistan who had invited her to visit his family in Pakistan. Uzma, who hails from New Delhi, also stated the she had taken shelter in High Commission of India of her own accord and would stay there till she is sent back to India with security. The case came to the forefront after her husband claimed that Indian High Commission has stopped her wife from leaving the premises during their visit to apply for visa on May 7. (ANI)

Uzma, who said she was forced to marry Pakistani man at gunpoint, returns to India

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The Islam&shy;abad High Court on Tuesday asked the Federal Investigation Agency to stop harassing WION&rsquo;s Pakistan bureau chief Taha Siddiqui and issued a notice to the director general and another official of the FIA.

Justice Aamir Farooq has sought a response from FIA officials and has adjourned the hearing in the case till May 29.

Siddqui had filed a writ petition on May 22 with the court alleging harassment by the FIA.

The petition says the FIA called Siddiqui, demanding that he appear before it at FIA headquarters for interrogation.

When Siddiqui asked the FIA why, he was not given a concrete answer.

But the FIA hinted that it wished to question him about his reporting. &nbsp;

When Siddiqui replied that his work was in the public domain and that any questions could be asked over the phone, the FIA told Siddiqui in a threatening tone and voice that it would &quot;be better&quot; for him to appear before it.

The petition adds Siddiqui was reluctant to appear before the the FIA because &quot;once the person who is to be interrogated sets out to the FIA headquarters, he is either picked up and disappeared or detained illegally&quot;.

The petition adds that ever since the phone call, Siddiqui has noticed that &quot;plain-clothed persons have conspicuously been pointing at his house&quot;.

And that the &quot;petitioner is a journalist and it is his responsibility to collect information and to be able to impart this information to the public at large&quot;.

Before filing his petition, Siddiqui wrote to WION that he is &quot;being harassed by the FIA and being targeted for expressing my opinions&quot;.

And that he is the &quot;only journalist on that FIA list and I&#39;m the first to ask relief from courts since I feel harassed and intimidated&quot;.

The petition also lists Pakistan&#39;s interior ministry and Noman Bodla, deputy director of the FIA&#39;s counter-terrorism department, as respondents.

It was Bodla who had made the call to Siddiqui. &nbsp;

&nbsp;

(WION)

Taha Siddiqui had filed a writ petition on May 22 with the court alleging harassment by the FIA

The Islamabad High Court on Tuesday asked the Federal Investigation Agency to stop harassing WION’s Pakistan bureau chief Taha Siddiqui and issued a notice to the director general and another official of the FIA. Justice Aamir Farooq has sought a response from FIA officials and has adjourned the hearing in the case till May 29. Siddqui had filed a writ petition on May 22 with the court alleging harassment by the FIA. The petition says the FIA called Siddiqui, demanding that he appear before it at FIA headquarters for interrogation. When Siddiqui asked the FIA why, he was not given a concrete answer. But the FIA hinted that it wished to question him about his reporting. When Siddiqui replied that his work was in the public domain and that any questions could be asked over the phone, the FIA told Siddiqui in a threatening tone and voice that it would "be better" for him to appear before it. The petition adds Siddiqui was reluctant to appear before the the FIA because "once the person who is to be interrogated sets out to the FIA headquarters, he is either picked up and disappeared or detained illegally". The petition adds that ever since the phone call, Siddiqui has noticed that "plain-clothed persons have conspicuously been pointing at his house". And that the "petitioner is a journalist and it is his responsibility to collect information and to be able to impart this information to the public at large". Before filing his petition, Siddiqui wrote to WION that he is "being harassed by the FIA and being targeted for expressing my opinions". And that he is the "only journalist on that FIA list and I'm the first to ask relief from courts since I feel harassed and intimidated". The petition also lists Pakistan's interior ministry and Noman Bodla, deputy director of the FIA's counter-terrorism department, as respondents. It was Bodla who had made the call to Siddiqui. (WION)

Islamabad High Court asks Pakistan's Federal Investigation Agency to stop harassing WION bureau chief

Opposition leader Imran Khan was granted permission today by a Pakistan high court to hold November 2 protests against the Nawaz Sharif government, international news agency Reuters reported today.&nbsp;The court, however, warned that demonstrations should not disrupt life for citizens, according to media reports.&nbsp;

Khan has vowed to bring millions of people out onto the streets&nbsp;to agitate against prevailing corruption&nbsp;and Panama Papers&#39; revelations about his family&#39;s offshore wealth.&nbsp;

According to Reuters, the Islamabad high court dismissed government challenges to the protests.&nbsp;However, it ordered Khan to hold the agitation on a parade ground far from the city&#39;s main government and commercial districts, Geo Television reported.

The government has also been ordered by justice Shaukat Aziz Siddiqui to ensure protection for the fundamental rights of residents of the capital to go about their daily lives, Geo reported.

Escalating political tensions have led to periodic clashes between supporters of Khan&#39;s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party and the police, who have arrested scores of opposition workers and used tear gas to disperse protesters.&nbsp;

(WION with inputs from Reuters)&nbsp;

The Islamabad high court, however, warned that demonstrations should not disrupt life for citizens

Opposition leader Imran Khan was granted permission today by a Pakistan high court to hold November 2 protests against the Nawaz Sharif government, international news agency Reuters reported today. The court, however, warned that demonstrations should not disrupt life for citizens, according to media reports. Khan has vowed to bring millions of people out onto the streets to agitate against prevailing corruption and Panama Papers' revelations about his family's offshore wealth. According to Reuters, the Islamabad high court dismissed government challenges to the protests. However, it ordered Khan to hold the agitation on a parade ground far from the city's main government and commercial districts, Geo Television reported. The government has also been ordered by justice Shaukat Aziz Siddiqui to ensure protection for the fundamental rights of residents of the capital to go about their daily lives, Geo reported. Escalating political tensions have led to periodic clashes between supporters of Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party and the police, who have arrested scores of opposition workers and used tear gas to disperse protesters. (WION with inputs from Reuters)

Pak court clears way for Imran Khan's Nov 2 protest

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