An accountability court in Lahore on Thursday summoned more witnesses as it heard the Ramzan Sugar Mills case against Sharifs, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.

Both PML-N President Shehbaz Sharif and Leader of the Opposition in the Punjab Assembly Hamza Shehbaz Sharif were present in the court as the judge adjourned the hearing until March 25.

During the proceedings, the judge directed Hamza Shehbaz to come to the rostrum and inform the court whether he had signed the surety bonds of his bail or gave a thumb impression. Hamza said he gave a thumb impression after which the judge asked him to also sign the surety bonds.

Witness Niamat Ali told the court that he was appointed as a budget officer in Public Health Engineering Department and he had provided the relevant record of Ramzan Sugar Mills when asked.

Later, the judge called Shehbaz Sharif to the rostrum, who told the court that he was not feeling well. “I had requested the court to cast my vote in Senate elections in Lahore but he had to travel to Islamabad to exercise my right of vote,” he added.

Shehbaz Sharif’s counsel Amjad Pervaiz cross-examined two witnesses – Ghulam Mustafa and Saeed Ahmad but it led to a hot exchange of words with the NAB prosecutor. Amjad said that the prosecutor unnecessarily interrupting the cross-examination again and again.

The prosecutor argued that he will interference every time when he would find the question objectionable.

Thursday saw the conclusion of cross-examination of three witnesses after which the court adjourned the hearing.

PML-N worker injured

A PML-N worker was injured during a clash between police personnel and Nawaz League activists outside the accountability court on Thursday.

As the PML-N workers raised slogans and tried to get close to their leaders, a clash broke out with policemen.

A cop delivered several punches on the face of a PML-N worker and blood started to come out of his mouth.

The police also tried to stop PML-N leader Azma Bukhari from entering the court. 

Azma’s dialogue with judge

PML-N leader Azma Bukhari had a dialogue with the accountability court judge during hearing of Ramzan Sugar Mills case against Sharifs in Lahore on Thursday.

During the proceedings, Azma Bukhari met Shehbaz Sharif on which the judge asked the PML-N leader to leave the court. Azma responded that she is a lawyer and hearing a case in open court is her right.

The judge remarked that no one is allowed in the courtroom as the coronavirus guidelines are in forces. “Please cooperate with the court and leave,” the judged asked her.

Later, after meeting Shehbaz Sharif, Azma Bukhar left the courtroom.