Nawaz says being ‘threatened’ not to return to Pakistan

–Deposed PM claims he has been told his appeal against conviction in Avenfield flats reference will be ‘handled’

Former prime minister Nawaz Sharif  has claimed that he is being “threatened” not to return to Pakistan and that he has been told that his appeal will be “handled”.

“Those trying to intimidate me and threaten me do not know that a person of faith fears only his Allah. I am not afraid of anyone,” Nawaz said in an interview with a local media outlet.

However, the deposed PM, who was convicted on July 6 in the Avenfield apartments reference and sentenced to 10 years rigorous imprisonment, said that he will stay true to his word and return to Pakistan on Friday no matter what the circumstances and consequences are.

“The party’s slogan ‘Vote Ko Izzat Do’ (respect the vote) has gained recognition and has reached every Pakistani household,” he said.

“On July 25, ‘the jeeps and puppets’ would face a humiliating defeat at the polls,” he added.

The former premier was hopeful that his party will accord a historic victory, this time on a “scale of which the opponents cannot even imagine”. He also said that “those trying to rig the elections will face dire consequences”.

He also commented on Kulsoom Nawaz’s illness and said that she is still unconscious and on ventilator. Moreover, he added that following the sentence, he cannot stay and look after his wife as he has to “fulfill his duty to the nation” and make “any sacrifice” he needed to.

Nawaz Sharif, along with his daughter Maryam Nawaz will land in Lahore on Friday and address the supporters at the Lahore airport and then will make their way to the NAB office at Thokar Niaz Baig.