The Islamabad High Court (IHC) restored on Thursday the appeals of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supremo Nawaz Sharif against the convictions in Al-Azizia and Avenfield references.

The court announced the judgement shortly after it reserved the verdict. It was announced by a division bench comprising Chief Justice Aamer Farooq and Justice Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb.

In 2018, Nawaz was sentenced to 10 and 7 years in prison in the Avenfield and Al-Azizia references, respectively.

The three-time former prime minister was declared a proclaimed offender by the IHC in the Avenfield and Al-Azizia cases over non-compliance after he went to London for medical treatment with the court’s permission in November 2019.

Nawaz arrived in Islamabad from Dubai on a charter plane on Saturday, ending his four-year self imposed exile.

IHC extends Nawaz Sharif’s protective bail in Avenfield, Al-Azizia references till Oct 26

On Tuesday, IHC extended Nawaz’s protective bail in the Avenfield and Al-Azizia cases till October 26.

It is pertinent to mention that the high court had granted the PML-N supremo bail in the two cases ahead of his arrival to Pakistan.

On Tuesday, the IHC issued notices to the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) in Nawaz’s petitions seeking restoration of his appeals against his sentence in both cases.

The bench extended the protective bail after NAB said that it had “no objections” to the plea filed by the former prime minister.

The bench wrote in its written order that it was submitted that since prosecution has sought time to obtain instructions and to make appropriate submission, it is only appropriate that protection be afforded to the petitioner till such date.

It added, “When confronted, learned prosecutor general NAB specifically stated that he has no objection to the extension of protection earlier granted to the petitioner.”

“In view of the referred position, protection afforded to the petitioner vide order dated 19.10.2023 is extended till the next date of hearing and he shall not be arrested in the meanwhile. On the next date of hearing, learned counsel for the petitioner shall also satisfy the Court regarding maintainability of the instant petition,” maintained the bench.