ISLAMABAD: The Punjab provincial government has suspended the sentence against former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif in a corruption case allowing him to run in the upcoming elections in January. Sharif, leader of the Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz faction has served as Prime Minister three times. The 77-year-old Sharif who had been in England after being convicted in a corruption case returned home on Saturday after four years. His daughter Mariam Sharif accompanied him.

The Al Aziziya Steel Mills corruption case has been suspended for seven years. This decision was made by the government using its constitutional powers under section 401 of the Criminal Procedure Code. The government also has the authority to pardon those found guilty. This law was introduced by Shahab Sharif, Nawaz's brother.

Previously, Sharif had been granted bail in the Avenfield case where he was sentenced to 10 years in prison. In 2018, the anti-corruption court that convicted him also banned him from participating in elections for ten years. He went to London in 2019. The Punjab administration's decision came while Sharif was appearing before the courts in other cases yesterday. Punjab Information Minister Aamir Mir noted that the final decision still lies with the court.

Meanwhile, an anti-corruption court in Islamabad granted bail to Sharif yesterday in the Tosha Khana corruption case and the standing warrant was also cancelled. The case was adjourned to November 20. In this case, the court had previously ordered the freezing of Sharif's bank accounts and the confiscation of 218 acres of land, a house and two luxury foreign cars all purchased at a discounted price from Toshakhana. Pakistan People’s Party Co-Chairman and former Prime Minister Asif Ali Zardari along with Senator Yousuf Raza Gilani are also accused in the same case. An application for the return of the confiscated property was lodged at the Sheriff Court yesterday.

Notably, Imran Khan was removed from the post of Prime Minister in a similar case involving the Tosha Khana scandal.

Two key developments

The suspension of the sentence in the Al Aziziya Steel Mills corruption case.

Bail granted in the Avenfield case.

Nawaz Sharif in a recent rally expressed hope for a new beginning with Pakistan regaining its lost glory. He also mentioned aspirations for G-20 membership and the resolution of the Kashmir issue on the world stage.