Ex-PM Nawaz Sharif jailed for 7 years in Al-Azizia reference; acquitted in Flagship corruption reference

Ex-PM Nawaz Sharif jailed for 7 years in Al-Azizia reference; acquitted in Flagship corruption reference

• The 68-year-old has been ordered to pay $25 million (Rs3.5 billion) in the landmark verdict
• The PML-N supreme leader maintains innocence in both corruption cases
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• ISLAMABAD – An accountability court in the federal capital sentenced former prime minister Nawaz Sharif to seven years in prison Monday in the Al-Azizia Steel Mills corruption case.
  Accountability Judge Mohammad Arshad Malik delivered the judgement in both the Al Azizia and Flagship Investment references. Only Sharif and his lawyers was allowed to enter the courtroom.
  The 68-year-old was, however, acquitted by the anti-graft court in Flagship reference. The judge said that there was no case against Nawaz Sharif.
  The court had reserved judgment in both the references on December 19, 2018.

• What we know so far?

  • The three-time premier has been ordered to pay a fine of $25 million

  • The supreme leader of PML-N is expected to be transported to Adiala Jail shortly

  • N-League workers clash with police outside the judicial complex

  • An area of 500 meter around the court completely sealed by Rangers and police personnel

  • Nawaz Sharif has been shifted to Adiala jail and will be taken to Lahore’s Kot Lakhpat prison tomorrow

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  The supreme leader of former ruling party Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) was arrested from the court.
  With deployment of a heavy contingent of security forces, including rangers and 1,000 police officers, security around the Judicial Complex in Islamabad has been tightened ahead of the verdict.
  The Section 144 has been imposed in the capital, but the Islamabad and Rawalpindi administrations have decided that there will be no blockade at the entry points of the capital, and security officials will only ensure strict checking.
  Before the verdict was announced after much delay, Nawaz Sharif reached the accountability court accompanied by Hamza Shahbaz, police and private security personnel.
• Sharif, who is out on bail, arrived in Islamabad from Lahore on Sunday. The three-time premier who appeared before the court for at least 78 times has denied any wrongdoing. “I do not have any sort of fear; my conscience is clear. I have done nothing that would force me to bow my head. (I) have always served the country and this nation with absolute honesty,” he said outside the court.
  On Sunday, the elder Sharif met his younger brother and Leader of the Opposition Shehbaz Sharif at Ministers’ Enclave. Shahbaz has been in the custody of the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) in connection with investigations in Ashiana housing scandal since October 5.
  Both the leaders have formulated the strategy for a power show and also directed the PML-N lawmakers and workers to reach Islamabad to join the power show. They also agreed to seek support from the Pakistan People’s party (PPP) to steer out of the political quagmire.
  Ahead of Monday’s verdict, Ahsan Iqbal, a senior leader from Sharif’s opposition Pakistan Muslim League party, said “it will be unfortunate” if Sharif is sentenced.