Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and his son, Hamza Shehbaz, have requested relief in the Ramzan Sugar Mills reference under the amended NAB law. Their legal team has filed a petition challenging the court's jurisdiction to hear the case. The petition argues that under the new NAB legislation, the accountability court no longer holds authority over the reference and has called for it to be sent back to the NAB chairman. Following the filing, the accountability court has asked NAB to submit its response by October 11. The court also granted a one-day exemption from appearance for PM Shehbaz Sharif, with his representative, Anwar Hussain, marking his attendance.

It is noteworthy that on February 18, 2019, NAB filed a reference against Shehbaz Sharif, President of the PML-N, and his son Hamza Shehbaz, Chief Minister of Punjab, in the Ramzan Sugar Mills case. The reference named only the two as accused, alleging they illegally constructed a drain for the sugar mill, causing a loss of PKR 213 million to the national treasury. NAB's reference has sought penalties for both Shehbaz and Hamza over the alleged misuse of public funds for personal gains.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan