Pakistan court to try Nawaz Sharif, Pervez Musharraf, others for alleged illegal money transfer

LAHORE: A Pakistani court today started ex-parte proceedings against 61 politicians, including Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, his brother Shahbaz Sharif and former president Gen Pervez Musharraf, in a case against alleged illegal transfer of assets to foreign countries.

Barrister Javed Iqbal Jafri had filed the petition against a total of 64 politicians a few months ago alleging they had transferred at least $ 300,000 million abroad through money laundering, causing a huge loss to the national exchequer.

Lahore High Court Justice Ameenuddin observed that since the respondents had not filed their reply despite the court order, an ex-parte proceeding would be launched against them.

The court also issued notices to the federal and Punjab governments and the Federal Investigative Agency in this regard.

The court adjourned the proceedings till September 29. The petitioner said these politicians despite court order had not yet submitted their affidavits regarding alleged money laundering.

He said Pakistan would have no need to get foreign loans if assets of the politicians were brought back to return the international loan of the country.

He asked the court to issue directions to the politicians to bring back their assets.

Only PPP Senator Aitzaz Ahsan and his wife filed a reply and former premier Yousuf Raza Gilani received a notice in this regard.

Other prominent politicians among the respondents are Imran's wife Jemima Gold Smith Khan, former premier Yousaf Raza Gillani, Nawaz Sharif's wife Kalsoom Nawaz and his son Hassan Nawaz, Interior Minister Nisar Ali Khan.

PTI Vice-Chairman Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Pervaz Elahi, Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain, former interior minister Rehman Malik, Maulana Fazl-ur-Rehman 21, Zardari's son Bilawal Bhutto.