Islamabad High-Court suspends Sharif, daughter's sentence, to be released soon
What's the story
The Islamabad High Court on Wednesday suspended the sentence of ousted Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and his daughter Maryam Nawaz, and ordered their release, reports Reuters.
The father-daughter duo is serving sentences since July in the Avenfield corruption case and is lodged in Adiala Jail. Nawaz and Maryam are expected to be released soon.
Here's more about this.
Details
Sharif and daughter were convicted in corruption case
In July, Sharif was given 10 years in prison in the Avenfield corruption case, and fined £8mn.
His daughter Maryam was given seven years' imprisonment and fined £2mn. Son-in-law Capt (Retd) Safdar got one year in prison.
Separately, Maryam was sentenced to one-year imprisonment for submitting false documents.
Recently, they were given parole for Sharif's wife funeral in London.
Twitter Post
Big relief for Nawaz Sharif
Islamabad High Court has suspended jail terms of former Pak PM Nawaz Sharif, his daughter Maryam Nawaz and son-in-law Captain (retd) Muhammad Safdar in Avenfield case: Geo News pic.twitter.com/LI56PGFsC6
— ANI (@ANI) September 19, 2018
The case
Reportedly, Sharifs acquired property in London by furnishing illegal documents
The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) filed three corruption references against the Sharifs.
It was alleged they acquired flats 16, 16-A, 17, and 17-A Avenfield House in UK's Park Lane apartment by furnishing illegal documents.
According to Panama Papers, Avenfield were owned by shell companies. But Maryam and brother Hussain used assets of 'owner' company to raise a £7M loan from Deutsche Bank.
Arrest
Sharif had said he was 'surrendering himself' for democracy
Notably, Sharif and his family have always denied the allegations. In fact, Maryam had shared flight details to Pakistan, showing her defiance towards the imminent arrest.
In tweets, Maryam accused military establishment and judiciary of targeting her family.
Upon arrest, Sharif said he was surrendering himself to lay the foundation for democracy. He added this would be a pivot point for the country.