'My conscience is clear,' says Sharif ahead of graft verdict

ISLAMABAD: Three-time prime minister Nawaz Sharif’s fate hangs in the balance as the accountability court in Islamabad is all set to announce its verdict in Al-Azizia and Flagship references against him today.

The Pakistan Muslim League – Nawaz (PML-N) supreme leader held consultations with his counsel Khawaja Haris and party leaders ahead of the verdict which is likely to be announced today at around 2:30pm.

Speaking during the meeting, Mr Sharif asserted: “I fear nothing. My conscience is clear.” There is nothing in the cases against him, therefore, they can’t commit excesses against him, he added.

Taking a dig at the PTI government, he said the current government sabotaged the country’s journey towards prosperity. “Once again Pakistan has been derailed,” he added. He reiterated that he served the nation and country honestly.

The accountability judge Muhammad Arshad Malik had reserved the verdict after completion of hearing in both the cases filed against three-time prime minister last week.

The judge on Dec 21 rejected an application by Sharif’s lawyer Khawaja Haris to defer the judgment.

Mr Sharif arrived in Islamabad from Lahore on Sunday to listen to the judgment in the courtroom. Security around the Judicial Complex in the capital has been beefed up to avoid any untoward incident.