Nawaz Sharif’s son-in-law Mohammad Safdar arrested in hate speech case

Former Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's son-in-law was arrested on October 21 over alleged derogatory comments on the Pakistani Army Chief and the judges of the Pakistan Supreme Court. Mohammad Safdar was arrested late Monday night near the Ravi Toll plaza, informed the Lahore Police. Safdar is a retired captain of the Pakistan Army who has been charged with Section 124-A of the Pakistan Penal Code which might lead to life imprisonment if the judges decide so. He reportedly made the hate speech against the state institutions on October 13.

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“An FIR has been registered against Safdar at police station Sadar Road Lahore for making hate speech against the army and the judiciary,” Pakistan Police said.

Read: Pakistan Court To Hear Nawaz Sharif's Appeal Against His Conviction

Nawaz Sharif's daughter defends her husband

During his court appearance on October 13, the former PM's son-in-law reportedly targeted Army Chief Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa. The retired captain further alleged that Imran Khan’s government was installed only to secure extension and promotions. On the other hand, PMLN spokesman Marriyum Aurangzeb has condemned Safdar’s arrest. He has alleged that the Imran Khan government is fascist and is victimizing the Sharif family deliberately. 

“If someone should be arrested for hate speech that man is Imran Khan,” Marriyum said.

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Nawaz and his daughter remain in NAB custody over money laundering charges

Nawaz Sharif's daughter and Safdar's wife Maryam Nawaz are in the custody of the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) under money laundering charges. The former Prime Minister himself remains in NAB custody over the same charges. He is also convicted in the Al-Azizia corruption case and serving seven-year imprisonment. Nawaz is reportedly unwell and has been shifted to a hospital late on Monday after his condition deteriorated. The former Prime Minister's platelet count was critically low and doctors recommended immediate hospitalization. Meanwhile, Sharif's brother Shahbaz has accused Imran Khan government of not doing anything earlier despite the deterioration in health. He accused the authorities and Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan of negligence and suggested that Imran Khan will be held responsible if anything happens to Nawaz Sharif. 

(With inputs from PTI)

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