ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court on Tuesday also acquitted former prime minister Nawaz Sharif in the Al-Azizia case.
The PML-N chief had filed application against the dismissal of his appeal filed against the court verdict in which he was sentenced five years ago.
Today, a two-member bench of the IHC held hearing of the appeal and dismissed NAB request to send back the case to the accountability court.
Later, the court reserved judgement and in the evening announced it acquitting the former prime minister in the case.
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.
Before returning to Pakistan after his four years self-exile, Mr Sharif had also filed petitions for grant of bail. The court clubbed the petitions and heard the case
When the court after reserving its verdict was announcing it, Mr Sharif along with his lawyers and party leaders was present in the court.
The court asked the prosecutor if they would arrest the accused his appeals were restored. The prosecutor said that they have no intention to arrest him. He said Mr Sharif would have yo submit surety bonds.
The prosecutor also said that after filing of an appeal a case cannot be withdrawn. He said after a proclaimed offender surrenders to court, the arrest warrants are always withdrawn.
