Pakistan: Former PM and daughter arrested in Lahore July 13 /update 4

Event

Former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and his daughter Maryam Nawaz were arrested on the evening of Friday, July 13, after arriving at the Allama Iqbal International Airport (LHE) in Lahore from the UK shortly before 21:00 (local time). The two returned to Lahore to submit themselves for arrest as a form of protest and in a bid to rally their beleaguered Pakistan Muslim League (PML-N) party ahead of this month's general elections. According to local reports, Sharif and his daughter were airlifted to Adiala prison in Rawalpindi via helicopter shortly after being taken into custody, where they will join Maryam Nawaz's husband, Muhammad Safdar, who was arrested in Pakistan on related charges after last week's judgment. 

Over 10,000 police officers were deployed throughout Lahore to maintain security on July 12 and 13 ahead of the former PM's arrival. According to local reports, PML-N supporters were blocked from traveling to LHE on Friday to rally for Sharif, and many were reportedly detained by police. There are also unconfirmed reports of injuries, among both protesters and police, after PML-N supporters clashed with police in Lahore. Cell phone service was also partially suspended in parts of Lahore. Further unrest is likely in the near-term and an extremely heavy security presence is to be expected across Punjab province. 

Context

Sharif was found guilty of corruption by an Islamabad anti-corruption court and sentenced in absentia to ten years in prison on July 6. Sharif's daughter and her husband, Muhammad Safdar, were also convicted and sentenced to seven years and one year of prison, respectively. All have denied any wrongdoing and claim the case is politically motivated.

Prime Minister Sharif was ousted in 2017 and barred from holding public office, after the 2015 Panama Papers leak led to a corruption probe into his family's wealth and found undeclared property abroad, notably in London. Friday's arrest comes only weeks before Pakistan is slated to hold general elections on July 25. Sharif's sidelining from politics leaves his Pakistan Muslim League-N (PML-N) party without a clear leader. 

Advice

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