What does Nawaz’s acquittal mean?

What does Nawaz’s acquittal mean?

On Friday, the Supreme Court overturned convictions against former prime minister Nawaz Sharif for plane hijacking and terrorism. ‘Looking at the case from any angle — the charge of hijacking, attempt to hijack or terrorism does not stand established against the petitioner,’ the Supreme Court ruled on a petition filed by Sharif.

The PML-N has welcomed the decision and party spokesman Siddiqul Farooq has already announced that the party will now attempt to hold former president Pervez Musharraf ‘accountable.’

What are the implications of Sharif’s acquittal for Pakistani politics? What impact would a showdown between the Sharif brothers and Musharraf have on the political landscape? In light of the court’s ruling on the hijacking case as well as the reversal of the ban on the opposition leader’s holding office, what do you think the PML-N’s strategy will be for the next elections?





39 Comments

  1. Pakistani says: July 18th, 2009 at 8:45 pm
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    Not sure if the plane was hijacked or not. But any sensible person can make out what has been hijacked.

    I love my country and I want to see it thrive and progress and the people given their rights and corruption eliminated.

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  2. Asad Mohammad says: July 18th, 2009 at 8:43 pm
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    Mian Nawaz is ‘Sharif’ again!

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  3. Saeed Manan says: July 18th, 2009 at 7:46 pm
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    We ,people, can just comment ,nothing will happen,what ever to happen will be totally different than our expectations,thats what always happening in pakistan.So pay attention to your own activities what ever u do and let the politicians do their work.

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  4. Tariq Nawaz says: July 18th, 2009 at 6:52 pm
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    Grave problems confront this unfortunate country.Politicians should forget revenge and concentrate on nation building which already lies in tatters.Do not become a laughing stock all over the world.Musharraf is already the most hated man in Pakistan,forget him.Have some sense of urgency and daunting problems facing our country.Good luck,may God help you guys!!!

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  5. Waqas says: July 18th, 2009 at 4:47 pm
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    Then who hijacked the plane? I was on that plane, and I would like to hear an answer. Who is responsible for putting Pakistani lives in danger?

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  6. khalid says: July 18th, 2009 at 12:11 pm
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    This is such a disaster!

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  7. syed tanveer says: July 18th, 2009 at 10:53 am
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    Nothing is impossible, no matter how disastrous.

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  8. nasir khan says: July 17th, 2009 at 10:21 pm
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    We are heading to a big problem again. With NAWAZ coming back to power, beyond doubt, will try to take on Musharaff, but probably, it is not Musharaff, but the Army, he would be challenging again. As though I understand, Army will never like, their Ex- cheif, being humiliated, thus a bigging of yet another confrontation in the offing. God save Pakistan

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  9. Ali Khan says: July 17th, 2009 at 10:20 pm
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    Mr. Saad Rehman,

    You still hope that Mr. Nawaz Sharif does not let down the country?! Well such are the hopes then I am afraid this nation is destined to doom. We simply donot have the genes or courage to elect good leaders. Why donot you question the political ethics of Mr. Sharif. He was an unelected leading figure the party. He has named the party after HIMSELF. But still we are blind to see the obvious and dare to “hope and pray that Mr. Sharif won’t let the Pakistani nation down. Amen”.

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  10. syed says: July 17th, 2009 at 9:55 pm
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    Neither this decision nor CJ revival will bring any relief to common man,Pakistan is currently facing huge challanges while Nawaz wants to focus to satisfy his personal ego………..If he is real leader he should help pak army to settle burning issues likes Waziristan,NWFP militancy……..

    Wake up PML – N ,if you are really sincere to Paksitan……..THEN forget about personal vendetta’s for the SAKE OF PAKSITAN PLEASE………….

    REGARDS

    TRUE PAKISTANI

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  11. Saad Rehman says: July 17th, 2009 at 8:57 pm
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    I think it is a momentous occasion and justice has been done! Its high time for Mr. Sharif to return into politics and lead the nation in a time of crisis, chaos and turmoil. I hope and pray that Mr. Sharif won’t let the Pakistani nation down. Amen

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  12. Imran says: July 17th, 2009 at 8:52 pm
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    It is something extraordinary in the Legal history of the world that Supreme court has ruled against its own decision. Seems in this petition technical points hasn’t been considered. Having said this, if petitioner hasn’t ordered to divert the plane then who has done it and under whose orders it been done? Also, during the arguments petitioner’s advocate pointed that Mr. Prime Minister didn’t give any direct order and then it was just an diversion of plane to another city. Its still not understanble why would they needed even to divert the plane?

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  13. Riaz says: July 17th, 2009 at 8:44 pm
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    I believe it is a good start. i would like him to become next prime minister. Nawaz Sharif has alot to celebrate but he must not forget his reponsiblities towards federation and other provinces. we all know that rights of the smaller provinces specially Baluchistan have been often ignored. it will be his responsibilities to bring along all the political force togather on issues like provinical autonomy with creating smaller units, NFC, economy, terrorism, just mentioning few of them. most importantly restoring the 1973 Constitution to its original form.

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  14. Pro Public Bono says: July 17th, 2009 at 7:59 pm
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    I am sorry to write that instead of making Pakistan strong throwing stones from ‘Glass House’ it is not advisable .
    One should put aside the differences as Pakistan is passing through terrible time , we must all be united and get rid of uncertainties.Work together like true Muslim.History will not forget the personal sacrifices.
    Thank you.
    God Bless Pakistan.

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  15. Ashfaq says: July 17th, 2009 at 7:33 pm
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    Welcome the decision

    Everyone knows Nawaz Sharif is a leader, he wants to work for the country and not for outside powers.

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  16. Tahir M says: July 17th, 2009 at 7:26 pm
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    Musharaf must be accountable as no one should be above law in this land of pures.

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  17. Abir Ahmad Ansari says: July 17th, 2009 at 7:05 pm
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    It is certainly good news for the Muslim League Nawaz. Now that Nawaz Sharif has been acquitted, he can contest elections freely and enter the National Assembly. I believe that once Nawaz is a member of the National Assembly, then only he will take up the case against Musharraf. The decision that has come today by the Supreme Court was bound to happen. And the way things are going with the government, with people thinking that the current government is continuing on the guidelines of the Musharraf era, it might not be long before Nawaz Sharif comes into the political scenario since he is supported by everybody. We will have to wait and watch how the politicial scenario shapes up in the coming days but one thing is for sure that it is not going to be an easy road from now on.

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  18. Jaffar says: July 17th, 2009 at 6:31 pm
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    In America They have Obama Biden, Jonny Cash and Bob Hope.
    In Pakistan We have Chauhadri Zardari Sharif, No Cash and No Hope.

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  19. Meengla says: July 17th, 2009 at 6:29 pm
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    Looks to me like Nawaz Sharif is slowly getting all he needed to get to the Leader of the Opposition in National Assembly while giving political ‘concessions’ to the federal govt. in the form of mild support for the military operation.
    Once NS is entrenched in the National Assembly he will bargain hard to remove the 17th Amendment and to bring Musharraf to ‘justice’. That would serve NS’s political goals.
    Question is: will the army sit idle while Musharraf is dragged to the courts?

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  20. Ajmal Khan says: July 17th, 2009 at 6:27 pm
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    Nawaz Sharif shall never join the PPP Govt because by doing so PML(N)shall be considered as a partner of the currupt practices of the present Govt and thus he shall lose the vote bank which can give him a clean and sure victory in the next elections whenever these might take place or make give way to Musharraf to come again.

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  21. ARIF HUSAIN says: July 17th, 2009 at 6:18 pm
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    VERDICT WILL CLEAR THE WAY FOR BOOKING MUSHARRAF AGAINST ARTICLE 6A OF THE CONSTITUTION.

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  22. Nadeem Ahmed says: July 17th, 2009 at 6:16 pm
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    Congratulation to Mian Sahib, but…
    Next election? Are you kidding. Where they will hold it, In UAE or in England? In Pakistan, no Election and no International Cricket. Bye, Bye..

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  23. SA says: July 17th, 2009 at 6:03 pm
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    I see a progressive and Prosperous Pakistan under his leadership. May Allah give him wisdom and courage to lead us out of this situation (Ameen).

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  24. A.Khan says: July 17th, 2009 at 5:56 pm
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    It remain to be seen how the events take turn now, on one side we have Independant judiciary and on the other hand an ex-dictator……interesting !

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  25. Justuju says: July 17th, 2009 at 5:47 pm
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    PML (N) has a tendency of revengeful politics. The long time tussle between Benazir and Nawaz is a testament to this. PML (N) Leaders are also a hurdle in a possible amalgamation of all the segments of the league.

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  26. Muhammad Faheem Minhas says: July 17th, 2009 at 4:46 pm
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    Decision is welcome and now PML(N) should go along with government and support its positive decicions. Congratulations Nawaz Sharif and PML(N).

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  27. Shahzad says: July 17th, 2009 at 4:44 pm
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    Nawaz’s aquittal means ‘bad news’ for the past and future military dictators. I am for democracy, be it PPP, PMLN, PMLQ, MQM, ANP. The only thing that is dragging the country down is military takovers. If these ever stop and let 5-10 democracies take the course, Pakistan can be on the right track.
    I am not saying this because of ‘my’ point of view but because if you look at the rest of the world….DEMOCRACY WORKS and nothing else does

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  28. nadeem says: July 17th, 2009 at 4:33 pm
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    same old story. how long can the people of Pakistan let these same corrupt people in to power again and again?

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  29. Muhammad Ishaq Narejo says: July 17th, 2009 at 4:27 pm
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    Musharraf should be punished on many counts, including the overthrow of elected governament. His potential involvement in the Akbar Bugti murder case should also be investigated.

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  30. Nasir Baig says: July 17th, 2009 at 3:53 pm
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    I think every authoritarian ruler should be held accountable before the court of law for not obeying constitution of country.

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  31. Hussain says: July 17th, 2009 at 3:35 pm
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    A great day for people of Pakistan. The judiciary shows its independece. Now the judicary should decide other important cases.

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  32. Saladin A says: July 17th, 2009 at 3:06 pm
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    I should hope that Nawaz Sharif would now contest first available and vacant seat for the Senate. He must be sitting in the house where he always belonged and should exert his influence in the chamber to check PPP government excesses.

    It is good for the country that a powerful man like Nawaz Sharrif is seen to be sitting in the Senate and exerting his authority for the good of the country.

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  33. Imran says: July 17th, 2009 at 2:55 pm
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    It’s about time that the feud between Nawaz and Musharraf was brought to an end.

    This feud will not do anything to help the people of Pakistan if it is not brought to closure. I wish the three main players would show some true leadership and work as a team to move the nation forward and into the modern era leaving the stone age behind.

    I hope Pakistan does not get left behind because of personal issues between the top brass.

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  34. Atif Sabir Khan says: July 17th, 2009 at 2:39 pm
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    It will impact our political scenario in a major way. It can change the balance of power in the national assembly as Mian Nawaz Sharif could come in the parliament. It will strengthen the parliamentary system in our country. I am a true supporter of democaracy & this should strenghten the democratic process.

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  35. Nadeem A. Khan says: July 17th, 2009 at 2:34 pm
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    I think that the current military establishment is still a keen sympathizer of Gen Musharraf and it will be a bitter pill to swallow for the Sharif brothers. Nawaz Sharif appears to be more mature politically, but Zardari has been trying best not to let him gain any advantage — as NRO was not the gift in kind – it must have immunity for the initiator. Hopefully, Nawaz can maintain his record of fighting for issues such as the COD – he might have a chance in the next elections.

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  36. Aamir Saeed says: July 17th, 2009 at 2:32 pm
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    This decision will be seen as an opportunity for PML-N to get their eminent leader back into the political ground openly and strike against old rivals.

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  37. Aamnah Khan says: July 17th, 2009 at 2:29 pm
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    This could be the start of a new pulling game between Nawaz Sharif and Musharraf in the court room. The PPP has to decide whether it will be with its former coalition partner or the one who they have been calling a dictator so far.

    PML-N has a very high aim set for the next elections which may lead to uneasy ties between Zardari and Sharif.

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  38. Syed Hammad says: July 17th, 2009 at 2:22 pm
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    It seems like the agenda over here is personal revenge rather than concentrating on the more severe matters at hand.

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  39. PK_TUN says: July 17th, 2009 at 1:49 pm
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    Nawaz Sharif should not start agitating in his pursuit of power after being cleared of all his cases. This will only cause instability in the country and weaken democracy. In addition to this Nawaz Sharif will find himself without the support of Sindh, Balochistan or NWFP if he unnecessarily pushes for mid term elections. Therefore Nawaz Sharif should play a positive role instead of populist and agitational politics.

    As for the Musharraf-Nawaz rivalry, if Mr Sharif wants western support in the future which he does) then he will have to heed to pressure from the west to avoid opening the pandora’s box left behind by MUSH. But ideally speakin MUSH should be dragged into court and tried publicly for a historic example to be set against dictators.

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