The Accountability Court of Islamabad has suspended the perpetual arrest warrants of former prime minister Nawaz Sharif’s sons, Hassan and Hussain Nawaz, in the Flagship, Al-Azizia, and Avenfield references of the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) after they surrendered before the court.

Their warrants were suspended till tomorrow, and the court also accepted their pleas for bail in exchange for bail bonds worth Rs50,000 each. 

Both suspects marked their attendance in court. The court also issued a notice to the NAB for tomorrow on the bail applications of Hassan and Hussain. Their plea for appointing a pleader was also accepted, and they appointed Rana Muhammad Irfan. 

The judge asked if they were the only two nominated in the three references. Qazi Misbah replied that they were co-accused in all three references, adding that the remaining accused had been acquitted of the charges. In the Flagship reference, the trial court itself had acquitted the two, he added. 

The court adjourned the proceedings till tomorrow. 

'Everybody should get right to a fair trial'

Speaking to the media in an informal session upon reaching the court, Hussain Nawaz said he was a Pakistani citizen and did not have any other passport.  He further said that political vengeance started on October 12, 1999, solitary confinement was given and sent on exile without a reason.

“I never said I’m not a Pakistani citizen. Whatever happened with us is for everybody to see,” he asserted, adding that he and his brother Hassan were not associated with any party and character assassination on personal basis should end.

Hussain said there was a lot of room for improvement in the country as a lot had changed in seven years. He added that he was extremely sad about the fact that the brothers could not attend their mother’s burial in Lahore.

“Nawaz Sharif has entrusted Maryam Nawaz with such a huge responsibility after looking at her potential,” he declared, adding that the public will not be disappointed.

He refused to comment on incarcerated former premier Imran Khan, saying everyone should learn for themselves. However, he said, he would add that there should be rule of law in the country and everybody get the right to a fair trial.

Earlier, the siblings had departed for Islamabad from Lahore to surrender before the accountability court of Islamabad in the Flagship, Al-Azizia, and Avenfield references of the National Accountability Bureau (NAB). They had been declared proclaimed offenders in the Panama Papers case seven years ago. 

Adjourned till noon

The Accountability Court, under Judge Nasir Javed Rana, held a hearing on Thursday morning regarding the Flagship, Al-Azizia, and Avenfield references, during which the assistant counsel of Hassan and Hussain Nawaz's lawyer Qazi Misbahul Hasan appeared in court.

During the proceedings, it was announced that senior counsel Qazi Misbah would join the hearing at 11:30am. Additionally, Rana Irfan Advocate, representing the accused, assured the court that his clients would surrender before noon.

Responding to Judge Nasir Javed Rana's query about the accused's appearance, Rana Irfan confirmed their commitment to appearing in court by 12 noon without fail. The accountability court then adjourned the hearing until noon.

Hassan and Hussain Nawaz would be surrendering before the court today after remaining absconding for seven years in the NAB references. 

The Flagship, Al-Azizia, and Avenfield references have garnered significant attention due to their implications on the political and legal landscape of Pakistan. These references relate to alleged financial misconduct and corruption charges against high-profile individuals.