Former Prime Minister of Pakistan Sentenced to Seven Years in Prison

The Economic Crimes Court in Pakistan has sentenced former Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif to seven years in prison for illegally appropriating resources and assets. The ruling, announced on Monday, December 24, is related to two corruption charges against Nawaz Sharif, while he was acquitted of charges in another case. Nawaz Sharif has denied any wrongdoing in connection with these cases. Earlier this summer, he was sentenced to ten years in prison for purchasing luxury apartments in London but later appealed and was released on bail. Following the announcement of his prison sentence on Monday, judges requested that authorities transfer him to Adiala Jail near Islamabad, where he was previously incarcerated earlier this summer. Nawaz Sharif was ousted from his position last year after facing a vote of no confidence during his third term as Prime Minister. Before the sentencing, Ehsan Iqbal, a senior official of the Pakistan Muslim League, which Nawaz Sharif leads, described the possibility of his imprisonment as regrettable. According to Pakistani media, security measures around the Pakistan judiciary building were intensified ahead of the announcement of the ruling. Geo TV reported that around a thousand police officers were stationed around the courthouse, and all pedestrian access to the building was blocked. Shortly after Nawaz Sharif's appearance in court, some of his supporters attempted to break through police lines by throwing stones, prompting police to use tear gas to disperse them.