Islamabad:
Pakistan's ousted premier Nawaz
Sharif today for the first time appeared before an
accountability court here to face the corruption charges filed
against him by the National Accountability Bureau in the
Panama Papers scandal.
Sharif, who returned to Pakistan yesterday, reached the
court located in the judicial complex this morning.
During the brief hearing, 67-year-old Sharif informed
Judge Muhammad Bashir that his wife was unwell and he needed
to attend her, following which he was allowed to leave.
Hundreds of Sharif s supporters, including Pakistan
Muslims League-Nawaz (PML-N) leaders, lawyers, lawmakers and
several ministers were present in the court premises. Heavy
security arrangement were made around the judicial complex. Earlier, Sharif left the Punjab House in Islamabad at
about 8.30 am to appear before the court. It took him about 15
minutes to reach the court.
More than 35 vehicles were part of Sharif s convoy which
safely reached Punjab House after his appearance in the court.
Sharif is expected to hold some important meetings with
aides and to address media in the evening, according PML-N
sources.
Sharif was in London from August 31 to be with his ailing
wife Kulsoom who is undergoing treatment for throat cancer.
He decided to return to Pakistan after consultations with
senior party leaders including his younger brother and Punjab
province Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif in London.