PML (N) Leader Shahbaz Sharif was arrested today by NAB

Today  Pakistan’s anti-graft body said it had arrested opposition leader Shahbaz Sharif over corruption charges relating to a housing scheme. The National Accountability Bureau said in a statement that it arrested Sharif, the brother of former ousted Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, on October 5 after several hours of questioning. It was unclear when Shahbaz Sharif was due to appear in court.

Shahbaz Sharif is accused of misusing his authority as the chief minister of Punjab Province from 2013 to 2018 by influencing authorities to award contracts for a government-run housing program for low-income citizens to a company with which he had political affiliations.

The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PMLN) party, which Shahbaz Sharif heads, condemned the arrest which it said was politically motivated. They are defending their leader on ocial media.

Arrest of Leader of Opposition is a direct attack on democracy. This action proves that PTI govt is using NAB for political vendetta & suppression of opposition. Shehbaz Sharif earned respect not only at home but across the globe for his good governance. PMLN can’t be intimidated

— Ahsan Iqbal (@betterpakistan) October 5, 2018

وہ شہباز شریف جس نے پنجاب کو بدل ڈالا، جس کی تعمیر و ترقی کی مثالیں دنیا دیتی ہے، اس شہبازشریف کے ساتھ جو ہوا، وہ قابل مذمت ہے، شرمناک ہے، اذیت ناک بھی ہے اور سیاسی انتقام لینے والوں کے لئے ڈوب مرنے کا مقام ہے۔

— Khawaja Saad Rafique (@KhSaad_Rafique) October 5, 2018

Sharif is the younger brother of former premier Nawaz Sharif who was disqualified from his position in 2017 over corruption charges.

He is the leader of the opposition in the National Assembly.

Friday’s arrest came months after authorities arrested two key former officials in connection with the same alleged scam. It is believed that Sharif’s arrest was made in the light of their statements against him, despite Sharif having earlier said he did not award contracts to his political allies.