LONDON – Pakistan faces another barrier in the legal process of formerpremier Nawaz Sharif’s extradition as Britain refuses to take action on thebasis of the non-bailable arrest warrants served by the Pakistan HighCommission in London.
In response to a letter sent to Prime Minister Boris on behalf of aPakistani constituent, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Officesaid, “we are aware that Nawaz Sharif is currently in Britain. The UK lawsets out clearly and publicly what the Government can and cannot do onimmigration matters, we act strictly in accordance with the rules on allsides.”
It added that the non-bailable arrest warrants which have been served bythe Pakistan High Commission in London have no legal bearing on his currentstatus in the UK. The UK police cannot arrest someone in the UK on thebasis of non-UK court orders. In this case, Sharif’s status under Pakistanilaws is a matter for the Pakistan government and legal system.
It further added that the countries do not have an extradition treaty.However, extraditions are still possible and have taken place. If anextradition request were to be submitted through the proper channels itwould be considered in line with the UK laws.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s office had received a letter and forwardedit to the FCO to look into. PM was unable to act in this matter and had noauthority and the FCO was the right forum to deal with such matters.
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On the other hand, the British MP in his letter had said that Britain wasbound to send back Nawaz Sharif.
Sources said Khalid Lodhi also written a letter to British Home MinisterPriti Patel, informing that Sharif has been convicted in Pakistan and hadabsconded, and should be sent back immediately.
It added that the former PM came to London for his medical treatment andhas now refused to go back, and the UK government should send him back toPakistan.
