A Pakistan court on Tuesday overturned the graft conviction of former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, marking a significant step toward his eligibility to participate in the upcoming national elections in February.
The Islamabad High Court nullified a 2018 conviction related to the establishment of a steel mill in Saudi Arabia, citing insufficient proof of income. Sharif, a candidate for a fourth term as prime minister with the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) party, awaits the removal of a life ban on holding public office to fully qualify for the elections on Feb. 8, 2024.
His return from a four-year self-imposed exile in London in October stirred political dynamics. The recent court decision follows his earlier acquittal in a 2018 corruption case linked to his family’s acquisition of upscale London flats. The PML-N spokesperson celebrated the ruling, labeling the case as fabricated.
While Sharif has consistently denied any wrongdoing, analysts suggest his improved relations with the powerful military could enhance his position against rivals. He has alleged military support for his 2017 removal, paving the way for Imran Khan’s ascent to power. However, Khan, currently imprisoned on corruption charges he denies, has seen a strained relationship with the military since 2022, creating political opportunities for Sharif.
The upcoming elections position Sharif’s PML-N and Khan’s party as primary contenders. Despite military denial of political interference, Sharif’s recent legal victories and Khan’s challenges contribute to a shifting political landscape in Pakistan.
