ISLAMABAD, DEC 12: In yet another major relief for the PML-N, the Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Tuesday acquitted PML-N Supremo Nawaz Sharif in the Al-Azizia reference.

A two-judge bench comprising IHC Chief Justice (CJ) Aamer Farooq and Justice Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb announced the verdict, which was reserved earlier in the day, while hearing Nawaz’s appeal against his conviction in the Al-Azizia reference.

The same bench had acquitted the PML-N leader in the Avenfield reference on November 29.

The Al-Azizia Steel Mills corruption reference pertains to a case in which he was sentenced to seven years in jail on Dec 24, 2018. He was also fined Rs1.5 billion and US$25 million.

The reference pertains to the Sharifs being unable to justify the source of the funds provided to set up Al-Azizia Steel Mills and Hill Metal Establishment (HME) in Saudi Arabia.

The IHC had declared him a proclaimed offender in the case in December 2020. After leaving for London on medical grounds, Nawaz remained there for nearly four years and only returned to the country in October this year.

Soon after his return, Nawaz had formally filed two separate applications seeking restoration of his appeals against the conviction in reference.

In the application, the PML-N supreme leader had said that while he was abroad for medical treatment, the pending appeals were dismissed for non-prosecution. The application requested the court to revive the pending appeals to decide on these pleas on merit.

The IHC had on Oct 24 revived Nawaz’s app­eals in the two reference.

At the previous hearing, the court had turned down the National Accountability Bureau’s suggestion that Nawaz’s conviction in the reference be set aside and the case be re-tried. It had also declared that it would decide the PML-N supremo’s appeal on merit.

Ahead of today’s hearing, Nawaz arrived in court along with senior PML-N leaders including Ishaq Dar and Azam Nazeer Tarar.

Today’s hearing
At the outset of the hearing, Nawaz’ lawyer Amjad Pervaiz came to the rostrum and told the court that he wanted to argue on the matter of Nawaz’s dependents.

However, IHC CJ Farooq pointed out that the PML-N lawyer had completed his arguments in the case. Pervaiz insisted that he wanted to argue on one point in this regard.

The court then asked whether NAB had proven anything related to Nawaz’s dependents. The lawyer responded that one of the witnesses, Wajid Zia, had admitted that there was no evidence pertaining to Nawaz’s dependents.

He said that there were several court verdicts present regarding the definition of benami. Pervaiz then presented 13 separate verdicts in benami cases. He contended that the legal team had also raised its objections in front of the trial court that convicted Nawaz.

He said that the trial court had relied on three major points. Nawaz’s lawyer said that the trial court had kept the civil miscellaneous applications filed in the Panama case as the basis.

“All three civil miscellaneous applications were filed by Maryam Nawaz, Hassan Nawaz and Hussain Nawaz,” he contended. He highlighted that not a single civil miscellaneous application was filed by Nawaz.

“In its judgement, the trial court held that the civil miscellaneous applications were criminal material,” the lawyer said. “Not a single application proves that Nawaz was the owner of these assets,” he said.

At one point, the IHC CJ asked about the contents of the civil miscellaneous applications. “The applications were not placed on record. Documents related to them were placed on record,” Pervaiz responded.

He reiterated that the applications did not state that Nawaz owned the assets, adding that they instead stated that the matter did not concern the PML-N supremo.

“It is a principle that evidence in one case cannot be admissible in another. Especially when the nature of both cases is separate,” he said.

Pervaiz further said that the trial court also relied on an interview given by Hussain Nawaz to a private TV channel in 2016. “Even though Hussain was saying in the interview that the matter did not concern Nawaz,” he said.

Nawaz’s lawyer further said that an accused was innocent until proven guilty. He said that the onus was on the prosecution to prove the charges against the accused. “The burden of proof is on the prosecution, not the accused,” Pervaiz said.

“The accused cannot be forced to prove his innocence,” he said. Nawaz’s lawyer said that there was no previous assets case where the accused was convicted without presenting clear proof of ownership.

“The prosecution could not present a single piece of evidence. Therefore, the the burden of proof cannot be transferred onto the accused,” he said as he wrapped up his arguments.

The NAB prosecutor then came to the rostrum and began his arguments. He said that a references were filed in accountability courts on the directives of the Supreme Court. He further said that a joint investigation team (JIT) was formed to probe the NAB references.

He said that the accountability watchdog conducted its own investigation. “In cases concerning assets, there are only two to three methods of investigation,” he said, adding that all the evidence collected was part of the record.

These also included statements recorded under Section 161 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, he said. He also read out loud some parts of Nawaz’s indictment.

“Al-Azizia and Hill metal are the two prime allegations. Tell us when the Al-Azizia allegations were brought,” asked the IHC CJ. “You were the prosecutor. Tell us what evidence you possessed. Tell us on what basis you transferred the burden of proof onto the accused,” he said.

“Leave the law. We have the read the laws. Come straight to the prosecution,” the IHC CJ told the NAB lawyer. “Is there any evidence on record? Is there any witness present?” he asked.

The NAB lawyer said that Nawaz was indicted on charges of corruption and corrupt practices. Witnesses from the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) and the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) were presented in court, he said.

“This is a case of white collar crime,” he said. He further said that evidence was collected from across the country and said that letters were also written to collect evidence from abroad.

More to follow….

ISLAMABAD, 11 DEC /DNA/ – SAPM on Human Rights Mushaal Hussein Mullick called on the world leaders and champions of human rights to take notice of the blatant violation of human rights in Occupied Kashmir and Palestine. She said that the Indian Supreme Court has unanimously upheld the abrogation of Article 370 to end the special status of Occupied Kashmir, which is the darkest act in the history of human rights. She said that for the last 76 years, the Indian army has been violating human rights in Occupied Kashmir, on which the world, including the international champions of human rights, are silent. She was addressing as Chief Guest a ceremony held at ICCI to observe the International Human Rights Day.

Mushaal Hussein Mullick said that Modi government is committing genocide in Kashmir and the world should play a role in stopping it. The genocide of Palestinians has been going on in Gaza for two months. Pakistan should raise a united voice on the issues of Occupied Kashmir and Palestine.

Faad Waheed, Senior Vice President ICCI strongly condemned the biased decision of the Indian Supreme Court on Article 370. He said that all citizens should enjoy equal rights. The people of Occupied Kashmir are still deprived of their rights. Everyone should raise voice against genocide in Kashmir and Palestine. The silence of the world on the Israeli aggression in Pto protect human rights betteralestine and the genocide of Palestinians is shameful. ICCI and the business community are ready to support the government from every forum in efforts to better protect human rights.

President Islamabad High Court Bar Association Naveed Hayat Malik said that the human rights situation around the world is bad. All Islamic countries, including Pakistan, should raise a voice on the violation of human rights in Occupied Kashmir and Palestine. OIC should raise a strong voice on the violation of human rights in Occupied Kashmir and Palestine. The initiative of ICCI to observe International Human Rights Day is commendable.

President National Press Club Islamabad Anwar Raza said that the Indian Supreme Court’s decision regarding Occupied Kashmir is a dark chapter in history. The people of the world are on the streets on the issue of Palestine, but the rulers are silent. The rulers of Islamic countries will have to break their silence on the situation in Gaza.

Former President ICCI and Secretary General UBG Pakistan Zafar Bakhtawari said that Mashaal Hussain Malik has been raising her voice for the rights of Kashmiris all his life. The decision of the Indian SC is a serious violation of human rights. More than 18,000 innocent Palestinians have been martyred by Israel in Gaza, of which more than 12,000 are women and children. The champions of human and animal rights should see the situation in Occupied Kashmir and Gaza. Sadly, people and rulers in the world are not on the same page on the issue of human rights. No nation can develop until all people are given equal rights. Pakistan should ensure better protection of the human rights of all citizens to achieve better progress and development. The world cannot achieve lasting peace without solving the issues of Palestine and Kashmir.

HR activist Syeda Ilya Kazmi, Finance Secretary National Press Club Ms. Nayar Ali, Secretary General of Tehreek Islamabad Party Asma Malik, Chairman Pakistan Red Crescent Society Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Habib Malik Orkazai also spoke on the occasion and emphasized the need to ensure better protection of human rights around the world including Occupied Kashmir and Palestine.

The Vice President ICCI Engr. Azharul Islam Zafar, thanked all the guests and participants, including the Chief Guest, for attending the event and expressed his determination that ICCI will keep raising its voice for the better protection of human rights.

KARACHI, 11 Dec 23: ​/DNA/ – Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf visited Creeks and Coastal Areas and PN Ships to review operational preparedness and combat readiness of the units.

Upon arrival at Creeks Brigade Sujawal, a comprehensive operational brief was presented to CNS on prevailing threat environment and defences of Creeks Area. During the visit at forward posts, CNS interacted with officers and men and appreciated their readiness to respond any misadventure by the adversary. On the second leg of his visit, Chief of the Naval Staff arrived at PNS AKRAM at Gwadar and interacted with the troops deployed for the security of Gwadar Port. He also visited Jinnah Naval Base, Pakistan Navy Hospital Dar Maanjah and Cadet College at Ormara. Later on, Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf arrived on PN Ships at PN Dockyard Karachi to review the operational preparedness and combat readiness of PN surface ships.

During interactions with troops at Creeks and Coastal Areas and onboard ships, Chief of the Naval Staff expressed satisfaction on operational readiness of deployed elements. He also appreciated the professional prowess and dedication of officers and men in ensuring impregnable defence of the motherland in challenging harsh environment of Creeks and Coastal Areas and amidst prevailing regional challenges in maritime domain. Chief of the Naval Staff appreciated the morale of troops and directed the field units to ensure optimal utilization of latest weapons and equipment with motivation and alacrity in order to ensure defence of the motherland.

ISLAMABAD, 11 DEC /DNA/ – The capital city of Islamabad has successfully concluded the #KoiJawazNahi 16 Days Campaign, a collaborative initiative by UN Women, generously funded by the Government of Japan.

This landmark campaign not only addressed the critical issue of violence against women and children but also marked the celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the Constitution of Pakistan, reinforcing the commitment to fundamental rights and equality.

Nilofar Bakhtiar, Chairperson of National Commission on the Status of Women in her welcome speech said, “As we conclude these 16 Days of activism, let’s intertwine the principles of our Constitution with the dynamic spirit of the Trade Fair. Through collective effort and economic exchange, let’s pave the way for a Pakistan where equality flourishes, violence dissipates, and prosperity blossoms for every citizen of Pakistan”.

The 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence is an international civil society-led annual campaign. It commences from 25 November, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, and ends on 10 December, Human Rights Day, indicating that violence against women is the most pervasive breach of human rights worldwide.

While addressing the audiences, Sharmeela Rassool the Country Representative of UN Women Pakistan, stated “Our #KoiJawazNahi campaign stands shoulder to shoulder with Pakistan’s Constitution, commemorating 50 years of justice and equality. Embracing ‘No Excuse’ and strategic investments in women and girls, we illuminate the constitutional framework safeguarding every citizen’s rights. Together, we sculpt a nation where excuses vanish, and economic empowerment interconnects seamlessly with equal rights for all.”

In the keynote speech Khalil George, Federal Minister for Human Rights said, “No Excuse is more than a rule—it’s our guiding principle. Our vision extends beyond policies; it’s about weaving human rights into our daily fabric. By collectively safeguarding the dignity and rights of every citizen, we emphasize the significance of the ongoing 16 Days theme that is to invest in the women and girls.”

The #KoiJawazNahi campaign was launched at Mohenjo-Daro followed by Quetta, Peshawar and now culminating in Islamabad. The primary concept behind this initiative involves illuminating historical structures in these cities with orange, accompanied by street theatre performance. Concurrently, the campaign actively promotes and advocates for this year’s theme, “Invest to Prevent Violence Against Women & Girls,” aiming to reach the masses.

The campaign coincided with the 50th Anniversary of the Constitution of Pakistan, a milestone that underlines the nation’s commitment to upholding the principles of justice, equality, and human dignity. By integrating this celebration into the campaign, organizers sought to emphasize the constitutional framework that supports the rights of every citizen, regardless of gender or age.

Islamabad, 11 Dec 2023 – The capital city of Islamabad has successfully concluded the #KoiJawazNahi 16 Days Campaign, a collaborative initiative by UN Women, generously funded by the Government of Japan.

This landmark campaign not only addressed the critical issue of violence against women and children but also marked the celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the Constitution of Pakistan, reinforcing the commitment to fundamental rights and equality.

Nilofar Bakhtiar, Chairperson of National Commission on the Status of Women in her welcome speech said, “As we conclude these 16 Days of activism, let’s intertwine the principles of our Constitution with the dynamic spirit of the Trade Fair. Through collective effort and economic exchange, let’s pave the way for a Pakistan where equality flourishes, violence dissipates, and prosperity blossoms for every citizen of Pakistan”.

The 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence is an international civil society-led annual campaign. It commences from 25 November, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, and ends on 10 December, Human Rights Day, indicating that violence against women is the most pervasive breach of human rights worldwide.

While addressing the audiences, Sharmeela Rassool the Country Representative of UN Women Pakistan, stated “Our #KoiJawazNahi campaign stands shoulder to shoulder with Pakistan’s Constitution, commemorating 50 years of justice and equality. Embracing ‘No Excuse’ and strategic investments in women and girls, we illuminate the constitutional framework safeguarding every citizen’s rights. Together, we sculpt a nation where excuses vanish, and economic empowerment interconnects seamlessly with equal rights for all.”

In the keynote speech Khalil George, Federal Minister for Human Rights said, “No Excuse is more than a rule—it’s our guiding principle. Our vision extends beyond policies; it’s about weaving human rights into our daily fabric. By collectively safeguarding the dignity and rights of every citizen, we emphasize the significance of the ongoing 16 Days theme that is to invest in the women and girls.”

The #KoiJawazNahi campaign was launched at Mohenjo-Daro followed by Quetta, Peshawar and now culminating in Islamabad. The primary concept behind this initiative involves illuminating historical structures in these cities with orange, accompanied by street theatre performance. Concurrently, the campaign actively promotes and advocates for this year’s theme, “Invest to Prevent Violence Against Women & Girls,” aiming to reach the masses.

The campaign coincided with the 50th Anniversary of the Constitution of Pakistan, a milestone that underlines the nation’s commitment to upholding the principles of justice, equality, and human dignity. By integrating this celebration into the campaign, organizers sought to emphasize the constitutional framework that supports the rights of every citizen, regardless of gender or age.

In addition, the campaign collaborated with a Trade Fair, creating a platform where businesses, organizations, and the public could come together to exchange ideas, showcase products, and strengthen networks. This intersection of the campaign with the Trade Fair allowed for a dynamic exchange of perspectives and solutions, fostering a sense of community engagement and shared responsibility.