The accountability court has formally begin trial against Nawaz Sharif and his family today. Judge Muhammad Bashir is heading the case hearings.
Earlier, ousted Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, daughter Maryam Nawaz and son-in-law Captain (r) Safdar reached accountability court for hearing of corruption references against them filed by National Accountability Bureau (NAB).
As hearing resumed the lawyer of Nawaz Sharif filed application for correction of Supreme Court's verdict date. The date was incorrect in record, application argued.
Furthermore, the Sharif family counselor filed application for exemption of Maryam Nawaz and Nawaz Sharif from hearings for one week from November 20 on wards as they are going to London to attend Kulsoom Nawaz.
In absence of Nawaz Sharif, his representative Zaafar Khan wheres as Maryam Nawaz's representative Jahangir Jadoon will appear before the court, the application stated.
First witness of prosecution, Sidra Mansoor, joint registrar of Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) recorded her statement and presented Hudaibiya Paper Mills record from 2000 to 2005.
Nawaz Sharif's lawyer, Khawaja Haris cross-questioned her. Haris objected that presented documents do not have official stamps or letter heads of the company.
The copies of these documents were presented in this manner, Ms. Mansoor replied.
Upon this the NAB prosecutor told court that original documents can also be submitted.
After recording of statement of first witness, Nawaz Sharif, his daughter and son-in-law left the court as Judge allowed them to go.
While talking to media outside the court, Nawaz Sharif said that there are double standards for his case and cases of others.
"The verdict of review petition was not a verdict rather a message for NAB to punish me under every condition," he said.
Furthermore, Judge Muhammad Bashir granted exemption to Nawaz Sharif for one week, while Maryam Nawaz has been given one-month exemption from the appearing in the court.
The court was adjourned till November 22nd.
