News Analysis |
President of Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) Shahbaz Sharif has clarified that Nawaz Sharif’s bail from the Islamabad High Court, in connection with the corruption charges is not the result of any deal. While speaking to the executive body of parliamentary reporters, former Chief Minister of Punjab stressed that the release of former premier was not conditioned with any deal.
Earlier On September 19, Nawaz Sharif, his daughter Maryam Nawaz and son-in-law Captain (retired) Safdar were released from Adiala prison on bail after an Islamabad High Court bench suspended their sentence until the appeals are heard. The Justice Athar Minallah accepted the arguments of the Nawaz’s counsel that there was enough reasonable doubt in the verdict of the accountability court to release the Sharif’s.
There is no reason to believe that he would play a part in rescuing Nawaz. It would be more apparent when Nawaz would restart his political activities after the Chehalem of Begum Kalsoom Nawaz.
After the release of Nawaz, rumors surfaced of a deal over the release of Nawaz Sharif and Maryam Nawaz. Since Prime Minister Imran Khan’s visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia coincided with the release of Nawaz; political analysts started questioning the timing of bail. However, if one examines the proceedings of the appeals in the IHC, it does not seem to be the case.
Furthermore, PTI’s senior leaders categorically denied the allegations of the deal. Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry clarified after reaching Pakistan from KSA that Sharif is “not important enough for either country to make a deal over”. PM Khan in his maiden speech in the parliament announced that there will no NRO [National Reconciliation Ordinance] to protect the thieves. The government has already put the names of the convicted Sharifs on the Exit Control List.
Read more: PTI challenges Shahbaz Sharif for the chairmanship of Public Accounts Committee
Shahbaz to Challenge ‘Selective Accountability’
Furthermore, Shahbaz Sharif has vowed to show resistance to the ‘selective accountability’ of the Sharif family [and its allies]. “Pakistan needs stability for now, and the PML-N does not believe that time is right [to trigger the movement] for the vote of no confidence against the incumbent PM Khan,” he added.
The speculations are rife in the twin-city that PML-N is trying to start yet another partnership with the PPP. Some media outlets have reported that Shahbaz is talking with PPP through behind the door channel. Both the parties are natural partners and would seek each other’s blessings, when in trouble. Since the going is not as tough; PPP’s chairman Asif Ali Zardari has not shown any clear intent to support PML-N in its quest to demonstrate strong opposition to PTI.
President of Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) Shahbaz Sharif has clarified that Nawaz Sharif’s bail from the Islamabad High Court, in connection with the corruption charges is not the result of any deal.
The top brass of the political elite- Nawaz Sharif, Shahbaz Sharif, Captain (retired) Safdar, Imran Ali, and Khawaja Saad Rafique, Asif Ali Zardari, Faryal Talpur, Raja Pervez Ashraf and Yusuf Raza Gilani are facing corruption and money laundering-related investigations. Its only matter of time till the common cause to avoid Khan’s accountability drive would bring the two parties on one page. Shahbaz has been giving an impression as if the opposition is once again united to tackle the government.
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In spite of the media speculation over the suspension of Avenfield verdict, there is no concrete reason to believe that Nawaz was released on pre-text of any deal. PM Khan’s stance on corruption is clear, and he stressed over it in a number of speeches. No one denies Nawaz has cordial relations with KSA’s Royal family, but, Imran has campaigned hard to ensure the accountability of rich and powerful cronies.
There is no reason to believe that he would play a part in rescuing Nawaz. It would be more apparent when Nawaz would restart his political activities after the Chehalem of Begum Kalsoom Nawaz. He still faces two accountability court references and would also have to prove in the IHC that the charges against him in Avenfield case are false.