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Lawyer challenges Sharif's release in court

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December 12, 2000 

LAHORE-- (UNB/AP) - A prominent lawyer in Pakistan's eastern Punjab launched a court challenge Monday of the army's surprise decision to free former prime minister Nawaz Sharif and send him into exile in Saudi Arabia.

"The government has unlawfully released a convicted criminal," said M.D. Tahir, in his petition before the Lahore High Court.

Sharif was a "national culprit," he should not have been allowed to go abroad, he said.

Sharif, whose elected government was toppled in October 1999 by Gen. Pervez Musharraf, was serving a life sentence on charges of hijacking and kidnapping and also found guilty of corruption.

On Sunday his prison sentences were commuted, but he remains barred from holding public office for 21 years and he must pay several million dollars in fines. His extensive properties in Pakistan also have been confiscated by the government.

Sharif's release has generated widespread criticism in Pakistan, brought Musharraf's anti-corruption campaign into question and threw the judiciary into a quandary.

"If Sharif can be freed why should other criminals be languishing in prison, particularly those found guilty of minor crimes?" Tahir questioned in his petition.

The court has not yet set a date of the hearing.

Musharraf, who promised the nation fair and across the board accountability when he took power, accused Sharif of massive corruption, destroying institutions and undermining the constitution.

Meanwhile, in the federal capital of Islamabad there were calls for immediate elections by some politicians.

Imran Khan, chief of Tehrik-e-Insaaf, or Movement for Justice, said his party had supported the army government's accountability drive and was deeply disappointed with Sharif's release.

"The government needs to explain how Pakistan's interest has been served by this move?" Khan said at a news conference. "It has damaged the government's credibility ... it should now immediately hold elections."

The military government's Information Secretary Anwar Mehmood said the recovery of huge amount of stolen wealth from Sharif was in the national interest.

"The decision was in the national interest ... and the accountability process will continue," he told The Associated Press.

But Pakistani newspapers criticized the government's decision with the English-language newspaper, The News calling it "the great betrayal."

Newspaper editorials said Sharif's release undermined the rule of law and reinforced the concept that the wealthy in Pakistan can purchase their freedom, regardless of their guilt.

"After the great escape of Nawaz Sharif, it will seem to the people that crime and punishment have got nothing to do with law," said The News editorial. "The deal blows to pieces the much trumpeted accountability of the country's corrupt."