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DATE=12/21/1999
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=PAKISTAN / SHARIF / S - L
NUMBER=2-257350
BYLINE=SCOTT ANGER
DATELINE=ISLAMABAD
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:
INTRO:  During his second court appearance in two 
days, Pakistan's former prime minister has accused the 
military of destroying evidence in the case.  As 
Correspondent Scott Anger reports, Nawaz Sharif and 
six others have been accused of attempted murder and 
hijacking for their roles in events leading to the 
military coup in October.
TEXT:  The anti-terrorism court hearing the 
allegations against Nawaz Sharif and his aides has 
been adjourned without any formal charges being made. 
Pakistan's military government has alleged Mr. Sharif 
and the others refused to allow a plane carrying army 
chief General Pervez Musharraf to land in Pakistan on 
October 12th.  The contention is that Mr. Sharif and 
the others wanted the plane -- which was low on fuel -
- to crash.  Hours later, the military overthrew the 
elected government in a bloodless coup.
Monday, the prosecution told the court that there is 
no incriminating evidence on audio recordings from the 
plane's black box.  Earlier delays in the proceedings 
had been over a dispute between defense lawyers and 
prosecutors involving the tapes.
Tuesday, Nawaz Sharif accused the military of erasing 
the recordings, which he says would have vindicated 
him.  
The court will reconvene on January 12th to continue 
hearing the case.
            ///REST OPTIONAL  FOR LONG///
The army has accused Mr. Sharif of trying to kill 
General Musharraf by refusing landing rights to the 
plane.  One month after the military gained power, an 
army officer filed charges that the former prime 
minister tried to kill the general and 200 passengers 
aboard the plane.  Prosecutors say Mr. Sharif's 
actions amount to waging war against Pakistan.
However, lawyers for Mr. Sharif have argued a charge 
of waging war must be filed by the government and not 
the military.  
Although Nawaz Sharif and his co-defendants have made 
six court appearances, they have not yet been indicted 
in the case.  Mr. Sharif has repeatedly denied the 
allegations and says General Musharraf is carrying out 
a personal vendetta.  (SIGNED)
NEB/SA/WD
21-Dec-1999 05:31 AM EDT (21-Dec-1999 1031 UTC)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America
.