ISLAMABAD – Barrister Ali Zafar Legal expert and former informationMinister has said that
Accountability Court verdict in Al-Azizia Reference Case is a veryinteresting, we have witnessed that a political bigwig was questioned,prosecuted and punished.
Accountability should be across the board and this process of should not bestopped at any cost. Process of Accountability is slow and we have to bepatient for complete justice.
The Sharif family was given full opportunity to defend and they still haveoptions to appeal. We have witnessed for the first time that NAB is servingwithout any political pressure or influence.NAB is an independentinstitution and it should serve without any external pressure. Peopleshould expose corruption but whistle-blowing should be for the sake ofnational interest.
Senator Waleed Iqbal (Leader PTI):
It is manifesto of PTI to eradicate corruption, bring back the looted moneyand serve justice without any prejudice and discrimination.NAB is anindependent institution and this is a wrong perception that government isinfluencing NAB against opponents. Good governance, corruption free societyand independent functioning of institutions will bring very positiveimpacts on economy of the country. Corrupts are being punished and thiswill portray a very positive image of the country. Opposition party willexploit the verdict but it would not be able to destabilize the process ofaccountability. It is priority of PTI led government to end corruption andnepotism.
Rae Azhar (Legal Expert):
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The court has given a very balanced and impartial verdict in Al-AziziaReference Case against Nawaz Sharif. We welcome this decision and hope thatthe processes of accountability will not stop. The opposition has option toappeal in superior courts. The more details of the verdict will be unfoldedin coming days. This is a historical decision because a powerful is beingpunished for the first time in the history of Pakistan.
Senator Barrister Muhammad Ali Saif (Legal Expert):
As far as the verdict is concerned, it would be appropriate to commentafter reading the complete judgment details. The case is significantbecause it is trial of a high profile political leader, former Primeminister and head of a political party. It is logical and natural thatopposition will attack NAB and courts by calling it a political revenge.These slogans should not be taken seriously because opposition will exploitthe decision .Opposition have level of appeals before them and there is apossibility that superior courts may come with a different verdict.Legality is served and opposition’s reaction is quite expected. Every casehas its own merits and decision of one case cannot affect the other.
Kamran Murtaza (Legal Expert):
It would be appropriate to comment after reading the complete verdict. Thecourt has given its verdict after detailed hearing and we should notquestion the credibility of the court. Flagship and Al-Azizia cases areabout the property of former Prime Minister and he has been proved guiltyin Al-Azizia Reference Case. Nawaz Sharif has option to appeal in superiorcourts against court’s verdict and Supreme Court holds the final authority.
