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Pakistan’s High Court upholds corruption charges against ex-PM Sharif

Saturday, 26 June 2021 2:15 AM [ Last Update: Saturday, 26 June 2021 2:15 AM ]

Javed Rana

Press TV, Islamabad

These are luxurious Avenfield Apartments located at Park Lane, Mayfair in London. The family of thrice elected former Prime Minister of Pakistan Nawaz Sharif has been staying here for decades.

A trial court sentenced Nawaz Sharif for 10 years in 2018 for owning these flats which the judge found were purchased through money laundering and ill gotten money. Sharif left Pakistan in late 2019 after being released allegedly on the basis of false medical reports to once again reside in this palatial residence.

To the shock of the former Prime Minister back in Pakistan, now a High Court set aside his appeal and upheld the verdict of the trial court. Sharif was declared a fugitive of law by the court when he backtracked his commitment with a High Court to return home within few weeks after medical treatment. This has now led High Court to reject his appeal for failing to return home despite his earlier pledge with the court.

The High Court verdict has come as a major political victory for ruling party of Prime Minister Imran Khan who came into power in 2018 with the pledge to prosecute Nawaz Sharif and other Opposition leaders on corruption charges.

The former Prime Minister still has one last chance to appeal with Supreme Court of Pakistan to set aside his conviction. But for that to happen, Sharif must return home, otherwise legal experts believe, the top court may also reject his appeal.

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