LAHORE: Punjab Assembly Opposition Leader Hamza Shahbaz moved on Monday an application in an accountability court seeking his acquittal in Ramazan Sugar Mills reference.
In the reference, the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) alleged that Shehbaz Sharif, being the chief minister of Punjab, had issued a directive for the construction of a drain in Chiniot district, mainly for the use of Ramzan Sugar Mills, that is owned by his sons.
The bureau alleges the family has “fraudulently and dishonestly” caused an Rs213 million loss to the national exchequer. It claims to have obtained “sufficient incriminating” material and evidence during the investigation and prayed the court to try and punish the aforementioned accused.
Both Shahbaz and Hamza have pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Hamza through his lawyer filed the acquittal plea on the basis of the recent amendments made to the NAB law.
He said the corruption watchdog filed the reference against him for allegedly getting a drain built with the public funds to facilitate the Ramzan Sugar Mills.
The reference is ill-founded and based on mala fide intentions and political grounds, the PML-N leader alleged, adding the bureau instituted the reference at the instigation of the incumbent government.
He said the NAB cannot prove these charges against him, pleading with the court to acquit him in the case.
