Islamabad court delays indictment of Sharif

The indictment of Pakistan’s former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and his daughter and sonin-law on corruption charges was delayed yesterday following clashes between his supporters and police outside the court in Islamabad.

The clashes erupted shortly before Sharif’s daughter, Maryam Nawaz, and sonin-law, Mohammad Safdar, arrived at the court. Sharif again failed to appear before the judge because his wife is ill and is being treated in London.

The violence outside the court moved the judge to adjourn the case until Oct. 19.

The cases were registered weeks after the Supreme Court disqualified Sharif as prime minister on July 28 in the Panama Papers scandal.

As the court was about to begin the proceedings, lawyers associated with the ruling Pakistan Muslim LeagueNawaz (PML-N) forced their way inside the courtroom.

The PML-N supporters also tried to enter the courtroom, resulting in clashes with police.

The lawyers started protesting in the courtroom of Judge Mohammad Bashir against security arrangements which had “restricted their movement in the court premises”.

They threatened to hold up the hearing until action was taken against the police officers that had allegedly manhandled them outside the court. Some lawyers also scuffled with the NAB’s prosecution team.

As a result of the ruckus, Judge Bashir left court.