Nawaz to be provided 'better facilities' at Lahore's Kot Lahpat jail

The former premier was arrested after he was found guilty in the Al-Azizia corruption reference

ISLAMABAD: Punjab government on Monday directed the provincial authorities to provide "better facilities" to the incarcerated former prime minister Nawaz Sharif.

Earlier today, Nawaz was arrested from the courtroom after he was found guilty in the Al-Azizia corruption reference and was sentenced to seven years in prison.

The court acquitted the PML-N supremo in the Flagship reference but imposed a fine of Rs1.5 billion. His sons, Hassan and Hussain, were declared absconders.

According to Punjab government's directives, the deposed premier, who has been behind bars in Rawalpindi, will be provided better facilities at Lahore's Kot Lakhpat jail.



Speaking to the media after the verdict, former premier and senior PML-N leader Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, said the verdict was announced behind closed doors when it should have been “announced openly”.

“We will protest against the verdict and overcome it,” said Abbasi, adding that the deposed premier should have been acquitted in both references as the top accountability watchdog had no evidence against the Sharif family.

Abbasi also said the party will thrive as it did during earlier trying times. “PML-N braved the era of former president Pervez Musharraf.”