The Lahore High Court (LHC) today will resume hearing a high treason case against former prime ministers Nawaz Sharif and Shahid Khaqan Abbasi today.
A three-member LHC full bench headed by Justice Mazahar Ali Naqvi and comprising Justice Atir Mahmood and Justice Chaudhry Masood Jahangir will hear the treason petition against Abbasi, Nawaz and journalist Cyril Almeida.
During the last hearing on October 8, the bench had adjourned the case till today.
The bench had asked the deputy attorney general whether the federal government had taken any decision regarding inquiry into the case. The court was then told that the case pertains to the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) and they have to conduct an inquiry.
To this, Justice Mazahar Ali Naqvi had remarked, "How is this case pertaining to PEMRA, it seems that you have not read the petition."
"This is a sensitive issue and the attorney general should have appeared for the hearing," he had further said. The court then directed that the attorney general be present for the next hearing.
Earlier, the petition, lodged by Advocate Azhar Siddiqui, alleges that Abbasi shared crucial details of the National Security Council (NSC) meeting with Nawaz following his statements on the 26/11 Mumbai attacks.
By leaking details of the NSC Abbasi committed high treason, the petition says.
The petitioner had argued that Nawaz's controversial interview to a newspaper had dented the country’s image and sovereignty. He further alleged that Abbasi supported Nawaz in the matter.
The petitioner further prayed upon the court to order a treason trial against the three respondents.
In July, the Lahore High Court had decided to adjourn the hearing till after the general elections.