The petition alleges that Abbasi shared crucial details of the National Security Council (NSC) meeting with Nawaz following his statements on the 26/11 Mumbai attacks.
Lahore (Pakistan Point News – 24th September, 2018) The Lahore High Court (LHC) has summoned former prime minister Nawaz Sharif in the high treason case on Oct 8.
A three-member LHC bench, headed by Justice Mazahar Ali Naqvi, was hearing the treason petition against former prime ministers Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, Nawaz, and journalist Cyril Almeida.
Defence counsel Advocate Naseer Bhutta told the court that Nawaz was unable to appear before it as people are frequently visiting him to condole the death of his wife Begum Kulsoom. He further requested the court to fix the hearing for a date after his wife's chaliswan (forty days of mourning).
Accepting to the postponement request, Justice Naqvi fixed the hearing for October 8. He ordered Nawaz to appear before the court in person at the next hearing and issued non-bailable arrest warrants for Almeida.
The petition, lodged by Advocate Azhar Siddiqui, alleges that Abbasi shared crucial details of the National Security Council (NSC) meeting with Nawaz following his statements on the 26/11 Mumbai attacks.
By leaking details of the NSC Abbasi committed high treason, the petition says.
The petitioner had argued that Nawaz's controversial interview to a newspaper had dented the country’s image and sovereignty. He further alleged that Abbasi supported Nawaz in the matter.
The petitioner further prayed upon the court to order a treason trial against the three respondents.
On June 26, a full bench of the LHC had issued notices to Abbasi and Nawaz. Action was sought against Nawaz Sharif on charges of defaming state institutions while Abbasi is being tried for disclosing minutes of the National Security Council’s meeting to Nawaz Sharif.
In July, the court had decided to adjourn the hearing until after the general elections.
Nawaz Sharif had in an interview to Cyril Almeida said that those who attacked hotel in Mumbai in 2008 hailed from Pakistan.
He said, "Militant organisations are active. Call them non-state actors, should we allow them to cross the border and kill 150 people in Mumbai? Explain it to me. Why can't we complete the trial?"
