Another acquittal

Pace of re-trials and prompt acquittals in both corruption cases must come as a case study for intelligentsia

Nawaz Sharif walked free as the Al-Azizia reference too stood quashed. It is a decisive judgment that will have long-term political ramifications. At the same time, this verdict will continue to quiz the judiciary for times to come as to what is the benchmark of merit, and as to why judgments of extreme positions are doled out in cases that are apparently manufactured to attain vested objectives. While PML-N critics will surely have their piece of resentment, the point is that it is time to revisit the culture of implying cases on political personalities, and the subsequent wave of intimidation and compromised decision-making.

With acquittal in Al-Azizia graft case, which pertained to the House of Sharif being unable to justify the source of funds provided to set up Al-Azizia Steel Mills and Hill Metal Establishment in Saudi Arabia, it seems the path for PML-N supremo to contest upcoming general elections has been smoothened. But there is a lacuna, as he still stands disqualified from the apex court in Panama Papers and in interpretation of Article 62(1)(f) that involves ‘honesty and trustworthiness’ of parliamentarians. If the ongoing trend and fervour is any criterion, it seems Nawaz will be able to overcome the last hitch too as the superior judiciary sits in review sooner than later. This will inevitably clear his journey to the PM Office for a fourth time, if the electorate votes for PML-N, which incidentally stands utterly discredited as the 16-month tenure of younger Sharif is highly criticised and contested.

The pace of re-trials and prompt acquittals in both the corruption cases must come as a case study for intelligentsia in Pakistan. There is certainly an aura of victimisation, and faux pas as far as the judiciary is concerned. Either, the courts were wrong then, or now! We are nobody to sit in judgment, but the point is that national institutions, public representation and rule of law are the victims, if this culture of ‘bogus cases’ or ‘resurrected judiciary’ goes any further.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 14^th, 2023.

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