Islamabad: Pakistan’s Supreme Court on Wednesday resumed the hearing of the Asghar Khan case and ordered all 31 respondents, including former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, to submit written replies by June 9.
A three-member bench headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan Justice Saqib Nisar resumed the hearing of the implementation of the landmark judgment in the Asghar Khan Case, Geo TV reported.
Notices have already been issued to as many as 31 individuals, including Sharif to appear before the court, according to several media reports.
However, Sharif failed to appear before the court.
“All individuals linked in the case will have to appear before the court,” Chief Justice Nisar remarked.
“Where is Mr Nawaz Sharif? His notice was collected by his security officer. Contact him and ask him to reach court within an hour,” directed the CJP.
Later, the Attorney General informed the top judge that Sharif was present at the accountability court and was unable to attend the apex court’s hearing, adding that the former will appear before the court through his lawyer.
However, the decision to select the counsel in the case is yet to be made, the attorney general added.
The hearing of the case has been adjourned till June 12.
Former Pakistani air chief Asghar Khan in 1996, had written a letter to then CJP Sajjad Ali Shah which contained names of politicians who had allegedly received money from the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) ahead of the 1990 general elections to thwart the bid of Pakistan People’s Party in securing victory.
Retired Pakistani officers have been accused of doling out Rs 140 million to various politicians.
Among the politicians accused of receiving money, the most noticeable is Sharif, who is said to have received Rs 3.5 million.
(ANI)