Ramzan Sugar Mills Case Against PM Shehbaz, Hamza Transferred to ACE

In a significant legal development on October 17, 2024, the high-profile Ramzan Sugar Mills case involving Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and his son, Hamza Shehbaz, was transferred from the accountability court to the Anti-Corruption Establishment (ACE) Punjab. The case, which has been ongoing for several years, revolves around allegations of financial irregularities and misuse of public funds by the Sharif family in the construction of a drain for the mill.

This shift in jurisdiction has raised questions about the future of the case, as ACE Punjab now assumes responsibility for continuing the investigation. According to legal experts, the move is part of broader judicial reforms aimed at decentralizing accountability proceedings, especially for cases involving high-ranking politicians.

The opposition has voiced concerns that this transfer could slow down the case’s progress. They fear it may be a tactic to delay or potentially weaken the prosecution against the Sharif family. The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, in particular, criticized the move, claiming it reflects selective justice. However, government officials defended the decision, citing legal technicalities that necessitated the transfer to ACE.

PM Shehbaz and Hamza have consistently denied the charges, labeling them politically motivated. Their legal team welcomed the change, expressing hope that ACE would conduct a more transparent investigation. The case remains a significant issue for Pakistan’s political landscape, as its outcome could have serious implications for the current government.