Pakistan: Supreme Court bans Sharif from public office April 13

Event

The Pakistani Supreme Court unanimously voted to ban former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif from holding public office for life on Friday, April 13. Supporters of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) party reportedly staged a protest in front of the Supreme Court in Islamabad following the ruling. Additional associated PML-N protests are possible in the coming days and weeks ahead of the general election, scheduled July 15. Heightened security measures and transportation disruptions are to be expected in the vicinity of potential demonstrations.

Context

On July 28, 2017, Pakistan's Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif resigned following a decision by the Supreme Court disqualifying him from holding public office, in light of a probe into his family's wealth linked to the 2015 Panama Papers leak. Prior to this development, 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 Pakistan, particularly in Islamabad, are advised to avoid all associated demonstrations and gatherings. Monitor the situation over the coming weeks and follow any instructions issued by the local authorities.

Due to the high threat of terrorism and other forms of violent crime, individuals in Pakistan more generally are advised to report any suspicious objects or behavior to the relevant authorities (their diplomatic mission or security manager). As a reminder, all Western embassies in Pakistan advise their citizens against nonessential travel to the country. Travel to the country should only be considered with proper security protocols in place.