Pakistan: Opposition leader arrested in Lahore on October 5

Event

On Friday, October 5, Pakistan's National Accountability Bureau (NAB) announced it had arrested Shahbaz Sharif, an opposition leader and head of the Pakistan Muslim League (PML) party. According to a NAB spokesperson, Shahbaz Sharif is accused of abuse of power and corruption during his tenure as Chief Minister of Punjab. Following the arrest, members of the PML party reportedly rallied in front of the NAB office in Lahore to demand Sharif's release. Further protests in support of Sharif are possible in Lahore and other urban centers across the country, notably on Saturday, October 6, when Sharif is expected to appear in an accountability court. A heightened security presence and associates transportation disruptions are likely in the vicinity of any demonstration.

Context

Shahbaz Sharif is a leader of the Pakistan Muslim League (PML) party and the brother of Nawaz Sharif, Pakistan's former prime minister. Nawaz Sharif was found guilty of corruption by an Islamabad anticorruption court and sentenced in absentia to ten years in prison on July 6, but released in September after his sentence was suspended pending an appeal. The Sharif family alleges that the charges are false and politically motivated.

Advice

Individuals in Pakistan are advised to monitor developments to the situation, avoid all demonstrations and protests, remain vigilant for signs of civil unrest, and adhere to instructions by local authorities.