LAHORE: The former prime minister Nawaz Sharif released a video statement on Friday stating that ‘Pakistan is on a decisive juncture,’ as Nawaz along with his daughter Maryam Nawaz make their way to Pakistan to face their jail sentence.
In a video message shared by Maryam on her Twitter account, Nawaz said, “I have done all that I could. I know I have been sentenced for 10 years and that I will be taken straight to prison.”
The ousted premier further urged ‘the people of Pakistan to support him’.
“I have to tell the Pakistani nation that I am doing this for them. I am giving this sacrifice for your coming generations…for Pakistan’s future,” Nawaz added.
نواز شریف نے اپنا فرض نبھا دیا۔ اب آپ کی باری ہے ! pic.twitter.com/TqG2evM0wn
— Maryam Nawaz Sharif (@MaryamNSharif) July 13, 2018
The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supremo and his daughter departed from London late Thursday and have reached Abu Dhabi, from where they are expected to reach Lahore around 6:00 pm.
Following this, the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) has arranged two helicopters for the duo that will transport them to Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi as soon as they land. Furthermore, two teams each have been deployed at the Lahore and Islamabad airports for the same purpose.
NAB Chairman Justice (r) Javed Iqbal warned the concerned people that strict action will be taken against anyone who obstructs the arrest of PML-N leaders. The PML-N, however, has claimed that it will only take out a peaceful rally to the airport to welcome its leader.
The chairman has also issued directions that the bureau will follow court orders and has summoned an emergency meeting in this regard.
Nawaz was sentenced to a total of 11 years in prison and slapped a £8 million fine (Rs1.3 billion) in the Avenfield case, whereas Maryam received an eight-year sentence with a £2 million fine (Rs335 million). Maryam has also been barred from contesting the July 25 election.
A total of three references were filed by NAB against the Sharif family last year in light of the Supreme Court’s verdict in the Panama Papers case.
With the Avenfield case having been decided, the Al Azizia and Flagship references against Nawaz remain to be concluded by the accountability court.
from Pakistan Today
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