The National Accountability Court Thursday postponed the hearing of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz Vice President Maryam Nawaz that was scheduled to take place on March 26 (Frida).

The NAB Lahore had summoned Maryam in connection with investigations into the alleged illegal transfer of 1,500 kanals of land in Jati Umrah as well as questioning regarding Chaudhry Sugar Mills case after a gap of seven months.

In a press release, the NAB said during its meeting it had reviewed the situation in the wake of the third wave of the coronavirus pandemic in light of National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) guidelines, which has banned all kind of gatherings.

The meeting was briefed about the previous incident in which Maryam had been summoned and that time the NAB office came under attack which was tantamount to hinder the NAB investigations and an FIR has also been registered against the accused.

“According to NAB Law’s Article 31A, non-cooperation with NAB investigation or any attempt to hinder or mislead the investigations can lead to 10-year imprisonment. However, despite having this legal authority, the NAB has shown patience,” the press release added.

It said the NAB has summoned Maryam for a second time to appear before the investigation teams on March 6, however, it has been decided principally to postpone the hearing of the accused Maryam Nawaz in wake of NCOC’s guidelines and for the larger interest of the people.

“The NAB will announce the new hearing date later at an appropriate time and has also decided to direct the concerned authorities to take back all the security measures.”

The national anti-graft body once again made it clear that it NAB opposes vehemently all such steps being taken to put the national institute under pressure and holds no association with any political party or group.