ISLAMABAD: The controversy of Rana Shamim’s affidavit was yet to get over when United Kingdom-based solicitor, Charles Guthrie’s disclosures regarding Sharifs inclusion in the matter have given it a new turn.
Rana Shamim, a former chief judge of Gilgit – Baltistan (GB), had notried his affidavit in London in October last which noted that Saqib Nisar , former chief justice of Pakistan (CJP), had a role in comviction of Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (°PMLN) supremo, Nawaz Sharif.
Nawaz Sharif was convicted by an accountability court judge in 2016 in a corruption case when he was the prime minister. His conviction opened -up an unending controversy involving the superier judiciary of Pakistan and PMLN. Since comviction of Nawaz Sharif , the PMLN is agitating against the judiciary and other state organs. Nawaz Sharif himself opened- up smear campaign against the military estaishment while addressing the masses from Pakistan Democratic Movement ( PDM). His rants against the state organs has created an environment of distrust between the powerful military and PMLN.
Rana Shamim’s affidavit had added another chapter to this controversy. The military establishment takes Rana Shamim’s affidavit as a continuation of Nawaz Sharif’s anti state campaign. The landing of Rana Shamim’s affidavit in Islamabad High Court (IHC) has made the controversy a serious affair. The court is yet to close the hearing and give judgement in the case. But meanwhile, Charles Guthrie has opened up a new pandora box by giving different statements to the media. According to the Mr Charles, Rana Shamim signed his affidavit in the presence of a number of people which, according to him, identified that Nawaz sharif had personal interest in the matter. Mr Charles’ claims may make Rana Shamim’s affidavit dubious and meant for some specific purpose. Mr Guthrie’s media statement has made the matter more interesting.