Former Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif is being held in deplorable conditions while awaiting the outcome of his appeal of a 10-year sentence for corruption, his party’s spokesman has said.
Pervaiz Rashid, spokesman for the Pakistan Muslim League, visited Mr. Sharif in prison on Thursday, where he said the former premier’s conditions are “deplorable.” Mr. Sharif is being held amid increasing political tensions ahead of Pakistan’s July 25 parliamentary vote.
Mr. Sharif “is being held in solitary confinement and his daughter, who is also being held at the same jail, was allowed to see him for the first time today [Thursday]” after six days, Mr. Rashid said.
He gave no additional details.
Shahbaz Sharif, who now heads the Pakistan Muslim League party, claimed on Wednesday that his brother was forced to sleep on floor of his cell his first night in jail.
Analysts say longtime politician and former cricket star Imran Khan enjoys the backing of the military, which has ruled Pakistan directly or indirectly for most of its 71-year history. Mr. Rashid predicted, however, that the Muslim League party will win the vote if elections are not rigged.