LAHORE: An accountability court on Friday exempted PML-N Vice President Maryam Nawaz from personal appearance in proceedings of Chaudhry Sugar Mills (CSM) case till filing of reference by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB).

Presiding Judge Ameer Muhammad Khan also extended same relief to former prime minister Nawaz Sharif for four weeks in light of permission granted to him by the Lahore High Court to travel abroad on medical grounds.

Being released on bail, Ms Nawaz appeared before the court on her own while her cousin Yousaf Abbas was presented by the jail of ficials.

Advocate Amjad Pervez made the requests in writing for exemption from personal appearance on behalf of Mr Sharif, who is in London, and his daughter Ms Nawaz. He pointed out that the NAB had yet to file its reference in the case. He said courts also granted exemption from personal appearance toPakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf`s MPAs Abdul Aleem Khan and Sibtain Khan till filing of the references by the bureau.

NAB prosecutor Hafiz Asadullah Awan requested the court to allow sufficient time to submit written reply to the application for exemption by Ms Nawaz.

However, the judge turned down the request and asked the investigating officer as to when he would file the reference.

The IO said the investigation had not been completed so far and it would take some time.

At this, the judge allowed exemption to Ms Nawaz till the NAB filed its reference and to Mr Sharif for four weeks. The judge adjourned further hearing till Dec 2 and also extended judicial remand of Abbas.

Ms Nawaz left the court premises and did not talk to the media.

Outside court, PML-N lawyers and workers had a scuffle with police for being denied entry to the courtroom.

Police also prohibited court reporters from carrying their mobile phones inside court.