The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has granted Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Vice-President Maryam Nawaz and her husband Captain (retd) Safdar 15 days' time to arrange another lawyer during the hearing of appeals against the sentences in Al-Azizia and Avenfield references, Aaj News reported on Wednesday.

The case proceedings were conducted by a two-member IHC bench, comprising Justice Amir Farooq and Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kiyani.

Maryam had requested the court to allow her one-month time to arrange a lawyer as her legal representative in the case, Amjad Pervez, is not able to pursue the proceedings due to health issues.

Avenfield Apartment reference: Maryam's counsel moves IHC for adjournment

The PML-N vice president told the bench that she wanted to file a new petition in the court before speaking on the merits of the case. She maintained that the court should hear her petition before pursuing the appeals against the convictions.

After hearing the arguments, the court remarked that hiring a lawyer is everyone's right. The IHC allowed Maryam to appoint a new lawyer and adjourned the hearing until September 23.

Al-Azizia, Avenfield references: IHC expresses displeasure over late arrival of Maryam

On July 6, 2018, Accountability Judge Mohammad Bashir had convicted Nawaz Sharif, Maryam Nawaz, and Captain (retd) Safdar in the Avenfield Apartment reference and awarded them prison terms of 10 years, seven years, and one year, respectively.

The court had later suspended their respective sentences.