LONDON: Scotland Yard has decided not to pursue an investigation into former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, his daughter Maryam Nawaz Sharif, and their associates following allegations linking them to the killing of journalist Arshad Sharif in Kenya and a gun attack on PTI founder Imran Khan in Wazirabad. The decision was made after the Counter Terrorism Command Unit concluded that there were insufficient grounds for a formal investigation.
According to a spokesperson from Scotland Yard, the allegations were initially reviewed by the Central West Command Unit before being transferred to the Counter Terrorism Command (SO15) due to their international implications. The review, which lasted nearly 18 months, found no substantial evidence to support the claims made by Sayed Tasnim Haider, the complainant. Haider had alleged that Sharif and his associates were involved in plotting the murder of Arshad Sharif on July 8, 2022, in London and an attack on Imran Khan.
In November 2022, Haider, a senior UK activist with the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), made headlines by claiming he had evidence linking Sharif, Mian Saleem Raza, Nasir Mahmood, Zubair Gull, and Rashid Nasrullah to the alleged conspiracy. Haider and his solicitor, Mahtab Anwar Aziz, held a press conference in London, asserting that they had provided evidence to the police on multiple occasions. The allegations included claims of torture footage and plans for the attacks.
The Metropolitan Police conducted a “scoping exercise” to assess the validity of Haider’s claims. A spokesperson confirmed that, after a thorough review, the decision was made to discontinue the investigation due to a lack of supporting evidence. The complainant has been informed of this outcome.
Haider, in response to the closure of the case, maintained his stance and criticized the system for protecting the accused. He also indicated ongoing discussions with the Kenyan government regarding the Arshad Sharif case. Mahtab Aziz did not respond to requests for comment.
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