Ousted Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif sentenced to 10 years in prison for corruption, relating to the purchase of four luxury apartments in London.

Friday's guilty verdict in absentia is a major blow to his party ahead of general elections this month.

It COULD mark the end of Sharif's political career - a man who was prime minister THREE times, and one of Pakistan's most high-profile politicians of the last four decades.

Speaking from London where he's been residing, Sharif said he WOULD appeal (SOUNDBITE) (English) NAWAZ SHARIF, SAYING: "...So I will be going back home, not home, but I understand they will take me to the jail from the airport and I will be in touch with my lawyers from here and consult them as far as the appeal is concerned." Sharif's daughter who is running for parliament -has also been sentenced to seven years in jail - and denies any wrongdoing.

Pakistan's National Accountability Bureau accused Sharif and his family of money laundering… and failing to legitimately show the money trail for the purchase of luxury apartments in the 90s.

In 2017, Sharif was ousted by the Supreme Court from the prime minister role and disqualified from politics for life for being 'dishonest' - His brother Shehbaz Sharif is now the head of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz party which has been leading in some pre-election polls - Pakistan's election is set for July 25, a historic event that will mark only the country's second ever democratic transition of power.