Sharif presented evidence

ATTOCK FORT (PAKISTAN), MAY 12. Inside a 16th century fort, surrounded by parapets and armed sentries, the deposed Pakistani Prime Minister, Mr. Nawaz Sharif, was today presented with evidence which alleges he evaded paying taxes and fraudulently imported a helicopter.

He was remanded in custody at the Attock Fort until May 27 when formal corruption charges are expected to be laid and he will be expected to enter a plea.

Mr. Sharif, who made his first appearance at the special anti- corruption court at the Attock Fort built 419 years ago by Mogul conquerors, complained bitterly about his cell, the food and the lighting.

He said the food was so bad he did not eat for two days, something the Prosecutor-General of the army-led Government's National Accountability Bureau, Mr. Farooq Adam, took exception to, saying Mr. Sharif was fed the same food served to army officers.

`Psychological torture'

Accusing the military Government that toppled him of psychological torture, Mr. Sharif said his cell was dimly lit, a large steel door had been erected blocking sunshine and that he was held in solitary confinement.

``There is hardly any light in my room, steel barriers have been erected outside my room blocking the sun and the food wasn't even worth eating,'' he told the court. ``Why is this fort being used? Because they want to resurrect the 16th century. How can I get a fair, transparent and open trial here?''

``It is more than solitary confinement. If there are any fundamental rights left in Pakistan, they are being violated,'' he said.

- Reuters

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Section  : International
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