Law Enforcers
Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar stated on Wednesday that the decision to handcuff PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif upon his return to the country rests with law enforcement agencies (LEAs). These agencies will base their decision on applicable legal provisions.
A day earlier, in London, PML-N President Shehbaz Sharif had announced Nawaz’s return to the country on October 21. In 2018, Nawaz Sharif received convictions in the Al-Azizia Mills and Avenfield corruption cases, and these cases are still pending in court.
Nawaz had left the country in November 2019 on medical grounds following his conviction but never returned. His departure came approximately 20 days after the Islamabad High Court’s order, granting him temporary relief on medical grounds in the Al Azizia case.
In February 2020, the then government declared him an absconder, and later in the same year, an accountability court declared him a proclaimed offender in the Toshakhana vehicles reference.
When asked about the possibility of arresting Nawaz upon his return, PM Kakar stated, “Law enforcement agencies (LEAs) will decide this matter based on the law. If they believe he should be handcuffed, they will proceed accordingly, and vice versa.” He emphasized that this discretion falls under the purview of LEA leadership.
PM Kakar emphasized that he does not consider it a “challenge” for himself, as he lacks the authority to determine whether Nawaz Sharif will face imprisonment or enjoy unrestricted mobility. He clarified that the leadership of the judicial process and law enforcers will make these decisions, with the government intervening if required to ensure legal compliance.
