In a significant legal development, the Islamabad High Court in Pakistan has overturned a graft conviction against former three-time Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif. This verdict comes as Sharif, who recently returned from self-imposed exile, strives to make a political comeback ahead of scheduled elections in February.
Nawaz Sharif, currently out on bail while appealing multiple corruption convictions, expressed his gratitude, stating, “I had left all the matters to Allah, and Allah has honored me today,” during a media interaction outside the Islamabad High Court.
An official from the court confirmed the acquittal in one case, while Sharif continues to appeal a second conviction related to investments in steel companies. The former prime minister had previously been sentenced to 10 years in 2018 for corrupt practices linked to his family’s acquisition of upscale London flats. Moreover, in 2017, he was ousted and banned from politics for life for failing to declare parts of his income.
Throughout these legal battles, Sharif consistently asserted that the charges against him were politically motivated. His return to the political scene coincides with his efforts to clear his name before the upcoming elections, where he faces primary opposition from Imran Khan, who is currently in jail.
Political analyst Hasan Askari commented on the unfolding events, stating, “Now everything is moving in favor of Nawaz Sharif.” He added, “This appears to be a political game managed by powerful personalities and institutions,” suggesting the intricate dynamics at play in Pakistani politics.
Nawaz Sharif’s political fortunes have been closely tied to his relationship with the military establishment, often considered the country’s kingmakers. His brother, Shehbaz Sharif, came to power in a coalition that ousted Imran Khan, and their government introduced changes to the law, limiting the disqualification of lawmakers from contesting elections to five years, facilitating Nawaz Sharif’s return to the political arena.
As Sharif celebrates this legal victory, the political landscape in Pakistan continues to evolve, setting the stage for a compelling electoral contest in the coming months.