IHC defers hearing of Nawaz Sharif's appeal against Al-Azizia conviction

• Supreme Court had dismissed Sharif’s appeal for bail.
• Sharif was convicted in the Al-Azizia case last year in September.
• Court had acquitted him in the Flagship reference.

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) postponed on Wednesday the hearing regarding former prime minister Nawaz Sharif’s plea for suspension of his sentence in the Al-Azizia reference.

A two-member bench comprising Judge Amir Farooq and Judge Mohsin Akhtar Kiyani took up the case proceedings today. The bench has adjourned the hearing till October 7, local media reported.

The IHC will also hear the National Accountability Bureau's appeal against the acquittal of Pakistan Muslim League – Nawaz (PML-N) leader in the Flagship reference.

Last year in September, Judge Arshad Malik convicted Sharif in the Al-Azizia reference and sentenced him to seven years in jail. However, the judge acquitted him in the Flagship Investments case. The accountability court had also fined Nawaz Rs1.5 billion and US $25 million in the Al-Azizia reference.

Following his conviction, the former premier approached the Supreme Court requesting it to grant him permission to travel abroad for medical treatment. The court, however, rejected the bail petition of Sharif. The apex court in its judgement had also suggested that Sharif’s counsel can approach appropriate forum to file his request.

The PML-N leader had then filed an application in the high court. The three-time former PM is currently serving his sentence in Lahore’s Kot Lakhpat Jail.