Asia

Pakistan court to decide on accusations against PM's family

Associated Press
Published | Updated

FILE -- In this Dec. 21, 2016 file photo, Pakistan's Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, inspects Bosnian Army honor guard during the visit to Bosnian capital of Sarajevo. On Thursday, April 20, 2017, Pakistan's top court is to deliver a much-awaited decision on corruption allegations against members of Sharif's family, a decision that could determine his political future. If the Supreme Court announces punitive measures against Sharif or his family members as part of the decision, it may lead to a serious crisis in government. (AP Photo/Amel Emric, File) (The Associated Press)

Pakistani police officers with riot gear stand guard at the main entrance of the Supreme Court, in Islamabad, Pakistan, Thursday, April 20, 2017. Under tight security, Pakistan's top court is to deliver a much-awaited decision on Thursday on corruption allegations against Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's family which could determine his political future. (AP Photo/Anjum Naveed) (The Associated Press)

Pakistani police officers with riot gear stand guard at the main entrance of the Supreme Court, in Islamabad, Pakistan, Thursday, April 20, 2017. Under tight security, Pakistan's top court is to deliver a much-awaited decision on Thursday on corruption allegations against Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's family which could determine his political future. (AP Photo/Anjum Naveed) (The Associated Press)

Pakistan's top court is to deliver a much-awaited decision on corruption allegations against Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's family, a decision that could determine his political future.

If the Supreme Court announces punitive measures against Sharif or his family members as part of the decision, it may lead to a serious crisis in government. In 2012, the same court convicted then-Premier Yusuf Raza Gilani in a contempt case, forcing him to step down.

The court decision on Thursday will be the outcome of petitions from opposition lawmakers dating back to documents leaked in 2016 from a Panama-based law firm that indicated Sharif's sons owned several offshore companies.

Sharif's family has acknowledged owning offshore businesses.

The opposition wants Sharif, in power since 2013, to resign over tax evasion and concealing foreign investment.