LAHORE, Dec 25: Pakistan’s ousted Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif was shifted to the Kot Lakhpat jail in Lahore amid tight security today, a day after an anti-corruption court sentenced him to seven years in prison in a graft case linked to the high-profile Panama Papers scandal.
Sharif, 69, was sentenced to seven years of rigorous imprisonment in the Al-Azizia Steel Mills graft case but was acquitted in the Flagship Investments case by the Accountability Court in Islamabad on Monday.
The three-time former Prime Minister, who was taken into custody by police following the court judgement, was taken to Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi on Monday.
Upon reaching Adiala jail, jail doctors carried out a medical examination of the PML-N leader and found him physically fit.
Today morning, Sharif was taken to Nur Khan Air Base amid tight security. Sharif was then flown to Lahore, where he was shifted to the Kot Lakhpat jail. Tight security had been put in place around the jail and Rangers were deployed at the police checkposts established on the route to the prison.
Shortly after his conviction in the National Accountability Court’s Al-Azizia corruption case Monday, Sharif’s counsel requested court to shift him to Lahore jail instead of Adiala since the veteran leader is a heart patient and his personal physicians and family members are stationed in Lahore. The request was granted.
The Punjab province Government approved the provision of “better class” jail facilities for Sharif. The better class prisoners are provided with a mattress, a study table and chair in addition to a TV set and newspaper.
A large number of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz supporters gathered outside the jail to have a glimpse of their Quaid (supreme) leader. However, due to high security they were not allowed to come close to the prison. Police also baton charged the PML-N workers for trying to reach the jail.
According to the jail administration, Sharif is provided with “better class” facilities. (PTI)
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