Did not get fair trial in Panama Papers case: Nawaz Sharif

LONDON: Former prime minister Nawaz Sharif, while addressing the media after a high-level PML-N huddle, said he did not get a fair trial in the Panama Papers case. 

"If this was a fair trial, then I would not have been disqualified on an Iqama instead of Panama [papers]."

Nawaz further remarked that "none of this was fair". The former premier also added that he understands what is going on currently.

He also said there was no 'minus-Nawaz' formula in play and rubbished rumours of rifts within the party, adding that there was no divide in the PML-N.

Answering a question regarding his return to Pakistan, the former prime minister said he would return to Pakistan on November 2 to appear before the accountability court. 

The statement by the former premier came following a high-level PML-N meeting, in which the party's leadership reaffirmed its support for Nawaz and said a minus Nawaz formula is not acceptable. 

The meeting was held at the residence of Hasan Nawaz and was attended by Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, Punjab Chief Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Fawad Hasan Fawad. 

The participants of the meeting also said that there is no space in the political landscape of the country for any unconstitutional step and there is no support from any quarter for such measures.

Nawaz arrived in London from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia late Sunday to hold a high-level party huddle.

Earlier in the day, Nawaz had said that his dismissal caused instability in the country and the stock exchange plummeted by 10,000 to 12,000 points. 

“What to speak of stability and progress if the elected leader of the country is ousted on the basis of Iqama [foreign work permit] and not Panama [Papers],” said Nawaz.

Nawaz further said that if a government becomes weak, then it decreases the strength of the state as well.

Last week, the accountability court hearing corruption references against the Sharif family issued bailable warrants for the former premier in the three references against him as he has lately been a no-show in the proceedings.

The references against the Sharif family pertain to the Azizia Steel Mills and Hill Metals Establishment, their London properties and over dozen offshore companies owned by the family.

The hearing was then adjourned until November 3, with the last chance for the former premier to ensure his presence in court.