What Happened: The Islamabad High Court suspended the sentences of ousted Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and his daughter on Sept. 19 after accepting their appeals verdict, Dawn reported Sept. 19.
Why It Matters: Sharif still has two other cases pending against him, but the appeal creates the possibility that at least some of the charges against him will be dropped. As a major figure in Pakistani politics, Sharif is potentially capable of influencing the country even without a seat of power.
Background: Pakistan's National Accountability Bureau handed Sharif a 10-year prison sentence on July 6 for corruption charges. Sharif claims the charges were part of a politically motivated attempt by the army to sideline him from politics.
Read More:
- What Pakistan's New Prime Minister Faces in Power (Aug. 15, 2018)
- Pakistan's Elections Won't Dilute the Military's Influence (July 24, 2018)
