As supporters anticipate the return of former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on October 21, the legal team of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader has filed protective bail applications in Islamabad High Court (IHC).
This strategic legal move is aimed at allowing Nawaz Sharif to appear before the court without the risk of immediate arrest. The court’s issuance of a notice to the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) marks a critical chapter in this high-stakes return.
In the courtroom, Chief Justice Aamer Farooq and Justice Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb presided over the hearing, where Nawaz Sharif’s lawyer, Amjad Pervez, urgently appealed for protective bail.
Sharif, a three-time former prime minister, had been declared a proclaimed offender in the Avenfield and Al-Azizia cases, leading to the issuance of arrest warrants. With the protective bail applications filed, Sharif aims to surrender before the court on his return.
Legal Battles and Notorious Convictions
Nawaz Sharif’s legal battles have been a focal point of Pakistan’s political landscape. In 2018, he was sentenced to ten and seven years in prison in the Avenfield and Al-Azizia cases, respectively, by an accountability court. However, his appeals against these convictions were dismissed, escalating his legal woes.
Sharif’s sentence in the Al-Azizia reference was later suspended in 2019 by the Lahore High Court (LHC) on medical grounds. This allowed him to travel to London for urgent medical treatment. However, his extended stay abroad raised questions and led to the declaration of him as a proclaimed offender in multiple cases. The legal twists and turns in Sharif’s journey continue to captivate the nation.
Upcoming Homecoming
Nawaz Sharif’s imminent return is not just a legal saga; it’s a political phenomenon. Sharif, a pivotal figure in Pakistani politics, left for London for medical treatment with court permission in November 2019.
As he prepares to come back, there’s a fervor of political excitement and conjecture. The anticipated large gathering in Lahore, where Sharif is set to address the public, hints at the grandeur and significance of his return.
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Political analysts speculate that this move could position Sharif to lead the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) in the upcoming elections, especially in Punjab, where the party has faced challenges. His arrival promises to shake up Pakistan’s political landscape.
Legal Preparations
To ensure a smooth return, Sharif’s legal team has filed protective bail applications in two high-profile cases, Al-Azizia and Avenfield. The goal is to provide legal protection against potential arrest, as Sharif is committed to appearing before the court immediately upon landing.
The applications reflect a proactive approach, considering the legal hurdles that have marked Sharif’s past encounters with the Pakistani judiciary.
The upcoming hearing on these applications has added an intriguing layer to the political and legal drama, heightening the anticipation surrounding Nawaz Sharif’s return.
Legal Proceedings and Court Observations
The Islamabad High Court’s issuance of notices to the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) in response to Sharif’s petitions is a pivotal development in the legal narrative.
The court hearing, featuring lawyers Azam Nazir Tarar and Amjad Pervez, emphasized Sharif’s intention to surrender in compliance with the court’s directives. Parallels were drawn to previous court decisions and notable cases, underlining the complexities of Sharif’s legal situation.
Justice Mian Gul Hassan’s sharp observation regarding the high court’s previous dismissal of a non-compliance appeal added a layer of intrigue to the proceedings. The presence of NAB representatives and their lack of objections to Sharif’s return further deepened the legal drama.
Sharif’s upcoming arrival on October 21 promises a political spectacle, legal showdown, and a momentous return, all intertwined in the ever-evolving saga of Nawaz Sharif’s journey.