Maryam, husband to challenge verdict; Sharif lands in 'B' class jail
Islamabad, July 14 : Ex-Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's daughter Maryam and her husband have decided to appeal against the July 6 verdict by an accountability court. The two along with Sharif were convicted and sentenced in absentia to lengthy prison terms in connection with their ownership of properties in London.
The appeal, that will be filed on July 16, was drafted on Saturday. Maryam Nawaz's legal team was still in Adiala Jail to get the power of attorney but was unable to file the appeal before the court hours ended. Court hours last till 1 p.m. during summer vacations.
The appeal -- that highlights the legal flaws in the Avenfield judgement -- asks for the accountability court's verdict to be declared null and void. It further pleads for the sentence of Safdar Awan, Maryam's husband, be suspended till a decision on the appeal was reached.
Nawaz Sharif and his political heir Maryam were arrested at the Lahore airport late on Friday on corruption charges as they returned to the country in an attempt to rally their beleaguered party days before July 25 polls.
High drama surrounded the arrests as the authorities blocked roads, shut down mobile and internet service and deployed thousands of security forces to thwart supporters of the Sharifs from reaching the airport.
The police arrested at least 600 workers of Sharif's political party, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz, on security-related charges in the past several days.
Officials from the National Accountability Bureau (NAB), the anti-corruption watchdog, placed the Sharifs under arrest. They were transferred to Adiala prison on the outskirts of Rawalpindi. Sharif was allotted a 'B' class category in prison.
According to sources in the know of the developments, the plan regarding Sharif and daughter's stay at jail was amended thrice after which it was decided to allot the Sharif a 'B' class jail which has facilities such as a 21-inch television, newspapers, a bed and fan.
It was also decided to keep Maryam in Adiala Jail's women's cell and not in Sihala rest house as suggested earlier.
The trial of two remaining NAB cases against the Sharifs will take place in the jail, according to a government notification.
After the court's verdict, the remaining cases pertain to the Al-Azizia Steel Mills and Hill Metal Establishment, and offshore companies, including Flagship Investment Limited.
The trial against the Sharif family had commenced on September 14, 2017.
Nawaz and his sons are accused in all three graft references whereas Maryam and Safdar were accused in the Avenfield reference only. The two brothers, based abroad, had been absconding since the proceedings began last year and were declared proclaimed offenders by the court.
Meanwhile, cabinet sub-committee held a meeting on the matter pertaining to placing Sharif and Maryam's name on the no-fly list. The committee approved the request during the meeting.
The Sharifs had maintained that the cases were manufactured by their political foes and the country's powerful military.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Indian student dies after suffering severe injuries in house fire in US
New York (PTI): A 24-year-old Indian student in the US has died after suffering severe injuries in a house fire, according to the Indian mission here.
Sahaja Reddy Udumala was pursuing a Master’s degree in Albany, New York.
The Consulate General of India in New York said in a post on X on Friday (local time) that it is “deeply saddened by the untimely demise” of Udumala, who lost her life in the house fire incident in Albany.
“Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences to her family during this difficult time,” the Consulate said, adding that it is in touch with Udumala’s family and is extending all possible assistance.
The Albany Police Department said in a statement that its personnel and the Albany Fire Department responded to the house fire on the morning of December 4.
When they arrived at the scene, officers and firefighters found the residence fully engulfed in flames and learned that several individuals were still inside the home.
They were able to locate four adult victims inside the residence, who were treated on scene by emergency medical personnel before being transported to a hospital, where they are being treated for serious injuries.
Two of the victims were later transferred to a medical burn centre for further treatment.
“Tragically, the adult female victim succumbed to her injuries she sustained in the fire,” the police department said.
It did not release the victim’s name pending notification of kin but the deceased has been identified as Udumala by her family.
A fundraiser has been launched by Udumala’s cousin Rathna Gopu to help cover funeral and memorial expenses, repatriation and transportation arrangements, immediate family support and additional expenses resulting from the tragic accident.
“…our family experienced an unimaginable tragedy when our beloved cousin, Sahaja Udumala, passed away following a devastating fire accident.
"Sahaja was just 24 years old, a bright and hardworking student pursuing her Master’s degree in Albany, NY, with a future full of dreams, hope, and promise,” Gopu said on the fundraiser.
Gopu added that Udumala sustained severe burn injuries affecting nearly 90 per cent of her body.
“She struggled immensely, fighting with all the strength she had. Despite all medical efforts, her condition continued to worsen, and she ultimately experienced complete organ failure, leading to her passing this morning,” Gopu said, adding that Udumala was known for her kindness, determination, and the warmth she shared with everyone around her.
“Losing her so suddenly has left our family devastated and facing unexpected emotional and financial hardships.”
So far, over USD 109,000 have been raised through donations out of the total amount of USD 120,000.
