LAHORE : Former prime minister Nawaz Sharif informed reporters on Monday ofhis legal counsel Khawaja Haris’ decision to recuse himself of representingthe Pakistan Muslim League – Nawaz (PML-N) founder in the NAB references.

During a news conference, Nawaz said a situation was being created where heis now being denied legal counsel as well. The former prime minister toldjournalists, that no other defendant in an serious case has appeared 100times before the court.

Addressing a press conference, the former premier asked, “Is it moreimportant to complete the legal formalities or to announce the verdictbefore the elections?”

Sharif said that it was impossible for any lawyer to review thousands ofpages of case files to satisfy the conditions in order to represent himproperly.

“It is impossible for a lawyer to take on a case at this stage and beginarguments the next day. Such an environment is being created that I amdeprived of a legal counsel as well,” the former premier told journalists,likening the present situation to a mockery of justice.

He told journalists in Lahore that no other defendant in any serious casehad appeared 100 times before the court.

Concluding his press conference Nawaz Sharif told journalists, “If averdict before July 25 elections is a ‘need’ or a ‘compulsion’ then do it,”adding that it would be akin to making a mockery of legal requirements, thelaw, human rights and judicial norms.