File Picture
Former Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, currently in London for medical treatment , has been given a last chance by a court to appear before it on August 17 in a graft case, failing which he may be declared a proclaimed offender.
According to a news agency report, the 70-year-old embattled three-time premier is currently in London for treatment after he was diagnosed with an immune system disorder. He left for the UK in November after the Lahore High Court granted him a four-week permission to go abroad for treatment.
The notice issued by the Accountability Court of Islamabad in the Toshakhana (treasure house) corruption case was displayed at Jati Umra and Model Town residences of Sharif on Monday.
“Nawaz Sharif committed offence of punishable under Section 9 read with Section 10 of the National Accountability Ordinance 1999 and it has been returned to a warrant of arrest thereupon issued that the said accused cannot be found and whereas it has been shown to my satisfaction that the said accused has absconded.
“Proclamation under section 87 CrPC is hereby made that the said accused Nawaz Sharif is required to appear before this court to answer the said reference on Aug 17,” the notice stated.
The Accountability Court last month issued a non-bailable arrest warrant against Sharif in the Toshakhana case. Sharif is accused of obtaining luxury cars from the treasury house by paying just 15 per cent of the price of these vehicles.
Former Pakistan president Asif Ali Zardari and former premier Yousuf Raza Gilani are also accused of receiving luxury vehicles and gifts from the treasure house.
