Caretaker Government in Punjab Suspends Nawaz Sharif's Sentence in Al-Azizia Case, Opening Door for Political Comeback
Former Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has had his sentence in the Al-Azizia case suspended by the caretaker government in Punjab, pending a final decision by the court. Sharif, who recently returned from exile, may re-enter the political arena if his sentences are overturned.
Former Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has had his sentence in the Al-Azizia case suspended by the caretaker government in Punjab, as reported by Geo News. The decision was made based on the government's constitutional powers under Section 401 of the Criminal Procedural Code, which allows for the pardon of offenders.
How can caretaker government of Punjab suspend sentence of a convicted criminal?? I hope someone will approach High court for suspension of this biased act. Caretaker Mohsin Naqvi thinks this will help him win favor from Nawaz Sharif later.
— Moonis Elahi (@MoonisElahi6) October 24, 2023
The final decision regarding the case will still be made by the court itself. Sharif, who recently returned to Pakistan after four years of self-imposed exile in London, was convicted in the Al-Azizia case by the National Accountability Bureau court in 2017 and sentenced to 7 years in prison and a fine of 1.5 million pounds. The Lahore High Court temporarily put the conviction on hold in 2019 to allow Sharif to seek medical treatment in London.
The decision to suspend Sharif's sentence comes as he is scheduled to attend multiple hearings at an accountability court and the Islamabad High Court. Sharif's party, the Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz), has indicated that he may enter the political fray in the upcoming general elections if his sentences are overturned by the courts.