Former Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's Statement in Toshakhana Corruption Case Sparks Contradictions and Controversy

Former Pakistan prime minister and PML-N leader, Nawaz Sharif, has provided his statement in the Toshakhana corruption case, according to an announcement made in a Pakistan accountability court on Thursday. The case, which was filed in 2019, involves allegations that Sharif, former president Asif Ali Zardari, and former prime minister Yusuf Raza Gilani received luxury vehicles from the Toshakhana (gifts repository) at discounted prices. During the court hearing, the prosecutor informed Judge Muhammad Bashir that Sharif had recorded his statement in the case.

However, the defense counsel argued that there was no record of the vehicle mentioned to have been given to Sharif, nor any documentation proving Sharif's request for a vehicle. In response, the prosecutor emphasized the need for a thorough examination of the statement before proceeding further. The court has adjourned the hearing of the Toshakhana case, with the next session scheduled for December 20. According to the case filed by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB), former prime minister Gilani allegedly allowed the retention of vehicles gifted to Sharif and Zardari by foreign states and dignitaries, thereby extending illegal benefits.

The defendants are accused of retaining the vehicles for their personal benefit and interest, against a nominal payment of 15 percent of the total value. In June 2020, a non-bailable arrest warrant was issued for Sharif, who was residing in London in self-exile. However, Sharif recently volunteered to surrender before the court after ending approximately four years of exile, resulting in the withdrawal of the arrest warrant. The Toshakhana corruption case continues to attract attention as it unfolds, shedding light on alleged wrongdoings and the involvement of high-ranking officials.