ISLAMABAD – Federal Minister for Information, Broadcasting, NationalHistory and Literary Heritage Syed Ali Zafar Tuesday hoped that Avenfieldreference judgement be announced on July 6 would be based on merit andjustice.

“All requirements of fair trial were fulfilled during the proceedings,therefore, the verdict will be based on justice and merit, however, thepetitioners will have the right to appeal against he decision,” Ali Zafarsaid while talking to PTV.To a question regarding implementation of the verdict in the absence ofNawaz Sharif in the country, the minister said the decision would beenforced as soon as Nawaz Sharif returned to the country.

“There are a number of cases in which accused staying abroad were awardedsentence and on their return to the country, they filed appeals against thedecision, therefore, it is hoped that Nawaz Sharif will return to thecountry,” he said.To another query, the minister said as per law, court proceedings in otherthree cases, including Al-Azizia Steel Mills reference, would continuesimultaneously even after the former prime minister was awarded punishmentin the Avenfield case.

Replying to a question regarding any agitation in the country in casepossible sentence to Nawaz Sharif, the minister said the court had to issuethe judgment according to the law which was its legal responsibility, whilein case of possible agitation, the caretaker setup would also fulfill itsadministrative obligation.

He, however, ruled out the possibility of delay in general election sayingthat the election would be held as per the given schedule at all costs.Ali Zafar said the caretaker government had not the mandate to involve inpolitical matters and it must remain neutral.

He said it was the beauty of politics when any leader or worker raisesobjection against their own party policies. “The ultimate decision will bemade by the voters and the party with majority assembly seats will formgovernments at federal and provincial levels,” he added.