Lahore’s Special Judge Central Court on Monday rejected the Federal Investigation Agency’s (FIA) petition, seeking cancellation of the bail granted to Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) President Shehbaz Sharif in a money laundering case, and summoned him for indictment on April 11, 2022, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.   

Earlier on the day, the court had reserved the verdict in the case as well as on determining the court’s jurisdiction.  

The court also accepted the defendant’s application for exemption from appearance in court today because of his engagements in Islamabad.  

During the hearing, the prosecution prayed to the court to cancel the extension in bail granted to the PML-N president on March 25, 2022, arguing that legal requirements were not met while doing so.  

Amjad Pervez, Shehbaz’s counsel, on the other hand, gave references to different court verdicts to support his contention that the court could grant an extension to his client. 

Calling the FIA’s bail cancellation application unjustified, Advocate Pervez prayed to the court to reject it.   

He went on to say that if the Agency had objections to the bail extension, it should have approached the Lahore High Court for that.  

Shehbaz’s counsel further said that such extensions had been granted in the past as well, and there was nothing new in it.  

Reporter: Shaheen Atiq, Jamaluddin Jamali