NAB references: reissues summons to Sharifs

An accountability court in Rawalpindi resumed hearing of a petition filed against Sharif family by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) for reopening three corruption references against them. The three references include the alleged corruption cases of Hudaibia paper mills, Ittefaq Foundry and Raiwind farm. Counsel of the Sharif Brothers‚ Akram Sheikh objected to the NAB applications saying the references cannot be reopened as long as the stay order given by the Lahore High Court is in place. On this, Prosecutor General NAB argued that in 2001 the references were adjourned for an indefinite period because the Sharifs were in exile, adding that it is NAB s discretion to submit application for reopening of the cases. Later, the accountablity court reissued summons notices to PML-N leader Nawaz Sharif, Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif and their families. The court directed the counsel of the Sharif brothers to submit the reply of his clients on the next hearing. Hearing of the case has been adjourned till September 15.