Pakistan: Former PM Sharif to be indicted Oct. 2

Event

The Accountability Court in Islamabad announced on Tuesday, September 26, that former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif would be indicted on corruption charges on Monday, October 2. Hundreds of supporters joined Sharif in the court complex on Tuesday, and with the indictment also set to take place at the Accountability Court, large protests and a heavy security presence should also be anticipated in the area on October 2. Localized transportation disruptions in the area are likely, and violent clashes between protesters and security forces are possible.

Context

On July 28, Pakistan's Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif resigned following a decision by the Supreme Court to disqualify him from holding public office, after a probe into his family's wealth following the 2015 Panama Papers leak. Observers had been hopeful to see Sharif become the first Pakistani prime minister to complete a full five-year term. Pakistani politicians generally suffer from poor governance track records, especially in the fight against corruption. Many believe the Supreme Court has started to crack down on corruption, in favor of a more democratic system.

The leak in 2015 of millions of documents held by the Panama-based law firm Mossack Fonseca identified links between many political and business leaders around the world and offshore companies and accounts. Among the information brought to light by the leak was the fact that Sharif's children owned undisclosed offshore companies and assets. Sharif was accused of using those accounts for tax evasion and money laundering.

Advice

Individuals in Islamabad and other major cities are advised to exercise extreme caution and to avoid all demonstrations and gatherings, particularly by the Accountability Court. Monitor the situation over the coming weeks and follow any instructions issued by the local authorities.

As a reminder, Western governments advise their citizens against nonessential travel to Pakistan due a nationwide high threat from terrorism, kidnapping, and sectarian violence. Travel should only be considered with strict security protocols in place.