Former PM Nawaz Sharif Takes Legal Action to Clear His Name in Corruption Cases

 Former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has signed applications, prepared by his legal team, to restore pending appeals against his convictions in the Avenfield Apartments and Al-Azizia corruption cases. Sharif, who returned to Pakistan after spending four years in self-imposed exile in London, signed the applications at Islamabad International Airport. The applications will be filed in the Islamabad High Court (IHC) division bench and are expected to be heard on October 24. In addition to filing the applications, Sharif's legal team will also present a petition seeking protective bail.

Sharif is also scheduled to appear before an accountability court on the same day. He was convicted in the Avenfield and Al-Azizia cases and declared a proclaimed offender in the Toshakhana vehicle case, which is pending before an Islamabad accountability court. Back in 2018, accountability court judge Muhammad Bashir had convicted Sharif, his daughter Maryam Nawaz Sharif, and her husband, Captain Safdar Awan, in the Avenfield Apartments case. However, an Islamabad High Court division bench virtually cleared Sharif in the case, finding the accountability court's decision to be incorrect.

Despite the lack of substantial evidence against him, Sharif's absconder status meant that he was not exonerated. The detailed court order criticized the accountability watchdog for failing to provide a satisfactory answer regarding the prosecution's duty to prove Sharif's involvement in corrupt practices. The prosecution had to demonstrate that Sharif had purchased Avenfield Apartments in the name of Maryam through corrupt and illegal means and that she had aided and abetted him by concealing the true ownership. Additionally, the prosecution had to prove that Sharif was a public office-holder when the properties were acquired, but there was no evidence to support these claims. As the legal proceedings continue, Sharif hopes to clear his name and secure a favorable outcome in the pending appeals against his convictions.