Pakistan's anti-corruption body on Tuesday began the process of auctioning the assets of former PM Nawaz Sharif to recover USD 10 million in the Avenfield corruption case. Also, the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) said it has initiated the process of recovery from Sharif. Sharif was found guilty of corruption in the Avenfield Apartments case. However, he was sentenced to ten years in prison and fined eight million pounds.
The case pertains to the ownership of the Sharif family's apartment at Avenfield House in London. For the purpose of recovery, (NAB) Lahore has written to the Deputy Commissioners of Lahore and Sheikhupura area to sell all the existing properties owned by Nawaz Sharif.
According to NAB, Sharif, 71, has agricultural land in various areas in Lahore, including 117 acres in Mauja Manak, 37 acres in Badhuki Sahni, 12 acres in Mauja Mall, 39 acres in Mauja Sultanki and a bungalow in Upper Mall, Lahore is included.
It is said that, if the amount recovered from all the sold properties does not cover the amount of the fine, the NAB will authorize afresh the assets for any other existing properties of Nawaz Sharif. Also, the NAB said this is the first time in the history of Pakistan that such a huge amount has been recovered from a former Prime Minister in the context of corruption.
Maryam Nawaz, a co-accused in the Avenfield case and Sharif's daughter, was sentenced to seven years in prison and fined £2 million. However, Maryam Nawaz is currently out on bail in this case.
However, the PML-N reacted strongly to the NAB's move, saying it was a disappointing plea by NAB President Javed Iqbal for extension of his term which is set to expire early next month.
