Nawaz Sharif’s Arrest Warrants Suspended in Toshakhana Case

The Accountability Court of Islamabad has temporarily halted the enforcement of arrest warrants for the former Prime Minister, Nawaz Sharif, in the Toshakhana case, with this suspension remaining in effect until October 24th.

Earlier today, the court had deliberated on Nawaz Sharif’s request to suspend the arrest warrant associated with the Toshakhana reference. The request was unopposed by the NAB prosecutor, who emphasized that the purpose of issuing a warrant is to ensure an individual’s appearance in court. Judge Muhammad Bashir of the Accountability Court presided over the hearing of Nawaz Sharif’s application.

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In his defense, lawyer Qazi Misbah conveyed Nawaz Sharif’s desire to willingly appear in the accountability court and thus sought the suspension of the warrants to facilitate his appearance. The NAB prosecutor remarked that Nawaz Sharif intends to surrender before the court, asserting that if he wishes to appear in court, his arrest warrant should be suspended until October 24.

Furthermore, lawyer Qazi Misbah pointed out that the trial against Nawaz Sharif in the accountability court is still in its initial stages and highlighted that Nawaz Sharif had left the country four months prior to the reference being filed.

Judge Bashir inquired about the status of other suspects involved in the case, including Asif Zardari. In response, lawyer Misbah noted that Asif Zardari and others were represented in court by their respective legal representatives. Judge Bashir followed up by asking if any of the other suspects in the case had been arrested, to which the lawyer replied in the negative, indicating that no arrests had been made in connection with the Toshakhana case thus far.

Qazi Misbah stated his intent to present detailed arguments on October 24 and additionally informed the court that Nawaz Sharif plans to return to Pakistan on October 21, seeking permission for his appearance in court. The NAB prosecutor reiterated that Nawaz Sharif’s intention to appear in court justifies the suspension of the arrest warrant, as the primary objective of the warrant is to ensure compliance with the law.