Shamim Recorded Affidavit About Saqib Nisar Without Any Pressure: UK Notary Public

Another development in the Rana Shamim affidavit saga unfolded when London Notary Public Charles Guthrie confirmed that the former CJ of Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) Rana Shamim had made the statement before him. Charles said that Shamim recorded the affidavit while they were both alone and said that the latter was not under any duress while making the statement.

The statement by the former CJ of GB had caused a stir in Pakistan when it came to light through a news report in The News on Monday. The story, reported by senior journalist Ansar Abbasi, had led to the opposition raising questions about the authenticity of the 2018 general elections. Leaders of the main opposition party, the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) said that Rana Shamim’s affidavit confirmed allegations of pre-poll rigging.

While talking to Geo News, Charles said that he had previously also verified documents for the government of Pakistan. He informed that he had verified UK documents for the High Commission of Pakistan in the Avenfield case back in 2017. Charles added that he also certified the medical records of Nawaz Sharif in his capacity as the Notary Public Commissioner for Oath for London.

The papers notarised by Charles in the Avenfield case were produced by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) before the Joint Investigation Team and the Supreme Court in the Panama papers case hearing.