Pakistan: Former PM Nawaz Sharif sentenced to 10 years imprisonment 

Describing it as a “momentous and historic” decision, a leading Pakistani daily The Express Tribune has reported that the deposed premier Nawaz Sharif has been sentenced to 10 years in the much awaited verdict on Avenfield corruption case.

His daughter Maryam Sharif was also sentenced to seven years while her husband Capt (retd) Safdar got one year in jail in the case filed by the National Accountability Bureau. The case was registered after Panama Paper Leak revealed several of Sharif's children had links to offshore companies, which were allegedly used to channel funds and buy foreign assets - including luxury flats in Avenfield House, on London's Park Lane.

Nawaz Sharif and Maryam are currently in London visiting Kulsoom Nawaz, who is suffering from cancer and is undergoing treatment there. Nawaz’s son-in-law Safdar was missing from court.

Judge Muhammad Bashir of the accountability court read out the 100-page verdict in the presence of media personnel at 4:20 pm, reported the daily.

Geo TV reported that the court has slapped a £8 million fine on the former Prime Minister whereas his daughter Maryam was sentenced to seven years with a £2 million fine.

It reported that strict security arrangements, including paramilitary personnel, were in place at the Federal Judicial Complex in Islamabad, where the court is located. The roads leading to the complex were also closed to traffic and the district administration had imposed Section 144 in the capital to discourage mass gatherings.

Apart from Nawaz, Maryam and Safdar, Nawaz's sons are also accused in the case. They were declared proclaimed offenders last year owing to their no-show and will face a separate trial whenever they join the proceedings.

The accused have been charged as per the National Accountability Ordinance, 1999, according to which they face maximum jail terms of 14 years and/or a fine, each.

Nawaz Sharif and his family are facing trial in three corruption cases filed by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB), which are Avenfield properties, Gulf Steel Mills and Al-Azizia Steel Mills. The trial against the Sharif family had commenced on September 14 last year.

Nawaz and his sons, Hussain and Hasan, are accused in all three references, whereas Maryam and her husband Safdar are accused in the Avenfield reference.