An accountability court in Lahore on Monday exempted PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif, his daughter Maryam Nawaz and nephew Yousaf Abbas from appearing before the court in the Chaudhry Sugar Mills case until the filing of reference.

During the hearing, the defence counsel said the high court had already granted to the accused in the case, while the National Accountability Court (NAB) did not file any reference.

He argued that there was no matter pending with the court till the filing of reference against the accused, adding that the court should exempt them from appearing in person.

Accepting the plea, the accountability court judge observed that they would be summoned only after the reference was filed.