Pakistan's Supreme Court on Friday ordered disciplinary action against a judge who convicted former premier Nawaz Sharif, effectively giving a boost to Sharif's appeal against a seven-year jail term for corruption.

Sharif was convicted and jailed last year after failing to prove the source of income that had led to his ownership of a steel mill in Saudi Arabia. Under Pakistani law, that is taken as proof of corruption.

Sharif denied the charges that he said were politically motivated.

His party in July presented a video at a news conference apparently showing the judge who presided over Sharif's conviction, Arshad Malik, as saying he had been pressured into handing down a guilty verdict by individuals he did not identify who had compromising footage of him.

Malik later issued a statement denying he had been blackmailed to convict Sharif and saying the video had been manipulated.

Malik had already been removed from his position in an anti-corruption court and the Supreme Court on Friday ordered him to report back to the High Court in the city of Lahore.

"We expect that after his repatriation appropriate departmental disciplinary proceedings shall be initiated against him," the Supreme Court said in an order.

The Lahore High Court, shortly after receiving the ruling, issued an order suspending Malik from service until he faces an inquiry into his conduct, according to a copy of the order, seen by Reuters.

A seven-member committee would hold the inquiry from Monday, it said.

Malik could not be reached for comment.

The Supreme Court said Malik's "stinking conduct" in connection with the video scandal was abhorrent, and an appeals court should decide whether to consider it as evidence for any relief for Sharif.

An appeal against Sharif's conviction is pending before the Islamabad High Court. The Supreme Court said that was the proper forum to evaluate the video scandal.

Pakistan's Supreme Court on Friday ordered disciplinary action against a judge who convicted former premier Nawaz Sharif, effectively giving a boost to Sharif's appeal against a seven-year jail term for corruption.

Pakistan's Supreme Court on Friday ordered disciplinary action against a judge who convicted former premier Nawaz Sharif, effectively giving a boost to Sharif's appeal against a seven-year jail term for corruption. Sharif was convicted and jailed last year after failing to prove the source of income that had led to his ownership of a steel mill in Saudi Arabia. Under Pakistani law, that is taken as proof of corruption. Sharif denied the charges that he said were politically motivated. His party in July presented a video at a news conference apparently showing the judge who presided over Sharif's conviction, Arshad Malik, as saying he had been pressured into handing down a guilty verdict by individuals he did not identify who had compromising footage of him. Malik later issued a statement denying he had been blackmailed to convict Sharif and saying the video had been manipulated. Malik had already been removed from his position in an anti-corruption court and the Supreme Court on Friday ordered him to report back to the High Court in the city of Lahore. "We expect that after his repatriation appropriate departmental disciplinary proceedings shall be initiated against him," the Supreme Court said in an order. The Lahore High Court, shortly after receiving the ruling, issued an order suspending Malik from service until he faces an inquiry into his conduct, according to a copy of the order, seen by Reuters. A seven-member committee would hold the inquiry from Monday, it said. Malik could not be reached for comment. The Supreme Court said Malik's "stinking conduct" in connection with the video scandal was abhorrent, and an appeals court should decide whether to consider it as evidence for any relief for Sharif. An appeal against Sharif's conviction is pending before the Islamabad High Court. The Supreme Court said that was the proper forum to evaluate the video scandal.

Pakistan Supreme Court orders action against judge in Nawaz Sharif's case

In yet another incident of media censorship in Pakistan, an interview of PML-N leader Maryam Nawaz with a Pakistani news channel went off air "forcefully" within a few minutes of broadcasting.

"Just came to know @MaryamNSharif interview has been stopped forcefully just (a) few minutes after it started Live #Pakistan #PMLN #PTI #PPP #HumNews," tweeted Nadeem Malik, a Pakistani journalist working with 'Hum News'.

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Just came to know <a href="https://twitter.com/MaryamNSharif?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MaryamNSharif</a> interview has been stopped forcefully just few minutes after it started Live <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Pakistan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Pakistan</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PMLN?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PMLN</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PTI?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PTI</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PPP?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PPP</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HumNews?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HumNews</a>
— Nadeem Malik (@nadeemmalik) <a href="https://twitter.com/nadeemmalik/status/1149338689350373377?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 11, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The news channel also posted a statement on its Twitter handle shortly after the blackout.

"Hum News believes in a free and responsible media. Protecting freedom of expression is one of our core values. At the same time, we stand for the respect and dignity of (the) judiciary in line with our ethical values and the Consitution," a tweet from Hum News said.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HumNews?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HumNews</a> firmly believes in a free &amp; responsible media. Protecting <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FreedomOfExpression?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FreedomOfExpression</a> is one of our core values. At the same time, we stand for the respect &amp; dignity of judiciary in line with our ethical values &amp; the constitution. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PressFreedom?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PressFreedom</a>
— HUM News (@humnewspakistan) <a href="https://twitter.com/humnewspakistan/status/1149354164906070016?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 11, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The interview was, however, available, on Malik's Twitter handle.

This comes after three Pakistani news channels -- Channel-24, Abb Takk and Capital TV -- were taken off air for showing a press conference of Maryam.

The news channels were put off air reportedly on the orders of Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA).

Maryam had then termed the incident as "unbelievable fascism" and a "shame."

On July 6, Maryam had released a purported video of Accountability Court Judge Arshad Malik telling a PML-N worker that there was a lack of evidence against her father and jailed former prime minister Nawaz Sharif in the Al-Azizia Steel Mills case and that he was "pressurised and blackmailed" to convict him.

The judge had refuted the allegations put forth by Sharif`s daughter soon after.

Previously on July 1, an interview of former President of Pakistan Asif Ali Zardari conducted by the country's senior journalist Hamid Mir was taken off air on Geo News within a few minutes of broadcasting.

In yet another incident of media censorship in Pakistan, an interview of PML-N leader Maryam Nawaz with a Pakistani news channel went off air "forcefully" within a few minutes of broadcasting.

In yet another incident of media censorship in Pakistan, an interview of PML-N leader Maryam Nawaz with a Pakistani news channel went off air "forcefully" within a few minutes of broadcasting. "Just came to know @MaryamNSharif interview has been stopped forcefully just (a) few minutes after it started Live #Pakistan #PMLN #PTI #PPP #HumNews," tweeted Nadeem Malik, a Pakistani journalist working with 'Hum News'. Just came to know @MaryamNSharif interview has been stopped forcefully just few minutes after it started Live #Pakistan #PMLN #PTI #PPP #HumNews — Nadeem Malik (@nadeemmalik) July 11, 2019 × The news channel also posted a statement on its Twitter handle shortly after the blackout. "Hum News believes in a free and responsible media. Protecting freedom of expression is one of our core values. At the same time, we stand for the respect and dignity of (the) judiciary in line with our ethical values and the Consitution," a tweet from Hum News said. #HumNews firmly believes in a free & responsible media. Protecting #FreedomOfExpression is one of our core values. At the same time, we stand for the respect & dignity of judiciary in line with our ethical values & the constitution. #PressFreedom — HUM News (@humnewspakistan) July 11, 2019 × The interview was, however, available, on Malik's Twitter handle. This comes after three Pakistani news channels -- Channel-24, Abb Takk and Capital TV -- were taken off air for showing a press conference of Maryam. The news channels were put off air reportedly on the orders of Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA). Maryam had then termed the incident as "unbelievable fascism" and a "shame." On July 6, Maryam had released a purported video of Accountability Court Judge Arshad Malik telling a PML-N worker that there was a lack of evidence against her father and jailed former prime minister Nawaz Sharif in the Al-Azizia Steel Mills case and that he was "pressurised and blackmailed" to convict him. The judge had refuted the allegations put forth by Sharif`s daughter soon after. Previously on July 1, an interview of former President of Pakistan Asif Ali Zardari conducted by the country's senior journalist Hamid Mir was taken off air on Geo News within a few minutes of broadcasting.

Maryam Nawaz's interview 'forcefully' taken off air, alleges Pakistan scribe

A senior Pakistani judge was sacked on Friday following a scandal over blackmail claims relating to the jailing of former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on corruption charges, the law ministry said.

The removal of accountability court judge Arshad Malik prompted immediate calls by Sharif's PML-N party for the release of the 69-year-old former premier, who is serving a seven-year jail sentence.

"The decision against Nawaz Sharif should be dismissed and he should be released immediately," party spokeswoman Marriyum Aurangzeb said, adding that Sharif's conviction should be considered "void".

<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-court-allows-nawaz-sharifs-personal-physician-to-visit-him-in-jail-234746&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiyoIbeqq_jAhVFZt4KHYzfCBAQFjACegQIDxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1HWKrSvXRMzLEbkT5athba">Sharif</a> was convicted and jailed last year after failing to prove the source of income that had led to his ownership of a steel mill in Saudi Arabia. Under Pakistani law, this is taken to prove corruption.

The PML-N has disputed the conviction and last week party leaders presented a video apparently showing Malik saying he had been pressured into ruling in favour of conviction by individuals with compromising footage against him.

Malik later issued a statement denying he had been blackmailed to convict Sharif and said the video had been manipulated. He also declared in an affidavit he had been offered bribes followed by blackmail threats by figures close to Sharif to rule in favour of the former premier.

After days of growing pressure, Islamabad High Court asked the law ministry to remove him from his position.

"Judge Arshad Malik was asked to stop working based on the alleged video and the press release," Law Minister Farogh Naseem told a news conference.

The scandal adds to an already heated political climate in Pakistan where Prime Minister Imran Khan's government, which came to power last year vowing to root out corruption, has been facing increasing economic difficulties.

Earlier this month it agreed to a $6 billion bailout deal with the International Monetary Fund, which has demanded a tough package of austerity measures.

As the problems have mounted, opposition parties have stepped up attacks, accusing the government and its allies in the powerful military establishment of crushing dissent and orchestrating Sharif's removal from power and conviction.

A senior Pakistani judge was sacked on Friday following a scandal over blackmail claims relating to the jailing of former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on corruption charges, the law ministry said.

A senior Pakistani judge was sacked on Friday following a scandal over blackmail claims relating to the jailing of former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on corruption charges, the law ministry said. The removal of accountability court judge Arshad Malik prompted immediate calls by Sharif's PML-N party for the release of the 69-year-old former premier, who is serving a seven-year jail sentence. "The decision against Nawaz Sharif should be dismissed and he should be released immediately," party spokeswoman Marriyum Aurangzeb said, adding that Sharif's conviction should be considered "void". Sharif was convicted and jailed last year after failing to prove the source of income that had led to his ownership of a steel mill in Saudi Arabia. Under Pakistani law, this is taken to prove corruption. The PML-N has disputed the conviction and last week party leaders presented a video apparently showing Malik saying he had been pressured into ruling in favour of conviction by individuals with compromising footage against him. Malik later issued a statement denying he had been blackmailed to convict Sharif and said the video had been manipulated. He also declared in an affidavit he had been offered bribes followed by blackmail threats by figures close to Sharif to rule in favour of the former premier. After days of growing pressure, Islamabad High Court asked the law ministry to remove him from his position. "Judge Arshad Malik was asked to stop working based on the alleged video and the press release," Law Minister Farogh Naseem told a news conference. The scandal adds to an already heated political climate in Pakistan where Prime Minister Imran Khan's government, which came to power last year vowing to root out corruption, has been facing increasing economic difficulties. Earlier this month it agreed to a $6 billion bailout deal with the International Monetary Fund, which has demanded a tough package of austerity measures. As the problems have mounted, opposition parties have stepped up attacks, accusing the government and its allies in the powerful military establishment of crushing dissent and orchestrating Sharif's removal from power and conviction.

Pakistani judge who jailed Nawaz Sharif sacked over blackmail claims

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Friday asked law ministry to remove Accountability Judge Arshad Malik from his post, days after his video got leaked in which he admits that he was "pressurised and blackmailed" to convict <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-court-allows-nawaz-sharifs-personal-physician-to-visit-him-in-jail-234746">Nawaz Sharif</a>.

Chief Justice Aamer Farooq on Friday wrote to law ministry regarding relieving judge Malik of his post and repatriating him to the parent department i.e. the Lahore High Court, Dawn cited a source in the IHC.

On Saturday, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/maryam-nawazs-interview-forcefully-taken-off-air-alleges-pakistan-scribe-235179">Sharif's daughter Maryam</a>, along with two senior PML-N leaders Shehbaz Sharif and Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, had released a video purportedly showing judge Malik claiming that there was a lack of evidence against Sharif in the Al-Azizia Steel Mills reference.

However, Malik denied allegations and asserted that Maryam tried to bribe him during the former premier's trial.

On his part, Malik admitted that he knew Butt and his brother and said they were old acquaintances.

He said that Sharif's party was trying to defame him and termed the video was "fake and fallacious", Geo News reported.

Watch:&nbsp;Nawaz Sharif's daughter stirs a political row

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-nawaz-sharifs-daughter-stirs-a-political-row-234117/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"The video shown during the press conference is fake and based on lies and assumptions," Malik said.

Nawaz Sharif is currently serving a seven-year prison term in Lahore's Kot Lakhpat jail in connection with the steel mills corruption case.

In the video, the judge is seen purportedly speaking to Butt and claiming that he was coerced to hand down the prison sentence to Sharif despite there being no proof of corruption against the deposed premier.

The judge asked the authorities concerned to take legal notice of the matter and sought stern action against those involved in it.

Shortly after the press release, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Information and Broadcasting, Firdous Ashiq Awan, said that the government has decided to conduct a forensic audit of the video.

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Friday asked law ministry to remove Accountability Judge Arshad Malik from his post, days after his video got leaked in which he admits that he was "pressurised and blackmailed" to convict Nawaz Sharif.

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Friday asked law ministry to remove Accountability Judge Arshad Malik from his post, days after his video got leaked in which he admits that he was "pressurised and blackmailed" to convict Nawaz Sharif. Chief Justice Aamer Farooq on Friday wrote to law ministry regarding relieving judge Malik of his post and repatriating him to the parent department i.e. the Lahore High Court, Dawn cited a source in the IHC. On Saturday, Sharif's daughter Maryam, along with two senior PML-N leaders Shehbaz Sharif and Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, had released a video purportedly showing judge Malik claiming that there was a lack of evidence against Sharif in the Al-Azizia Steel Mills reference. However, Malik denied allegations and asserted that Maryam tried to bribe him during the former premier's trial. On his part, Malik admitted that he knew Butt and his brother and said they were old acquaintances. He said that Sharif's party was trying to defame him and termed the video was "fake and fallacious", Geo News reported. Watch: Nawaz Sharif's daughter stirs a political row "The video shown during the press conference is fake and based on lies and assumptions," Malik said. Nawaz Sharif is currently serving a seven-year prison term in Lahore's Kot Lakhpat jail in connection with the steel mills corruption case. In the video, the judge is seen purportedly speaking to Butt and claiming that he was coerced to hand down the prison sentence to Sharif despite there being no proof of corruption against the deposed premier. The judge asked the authorities concerned to take legal notice of the matter and sought stern action against those involved in it. Shortly after the press release, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Information and Broadcasting, Firdous Ashiq Awan, said that the government has decided to conduct a forensic audit of the video.

Pakistan: Islamabad High Court demands Nawaz Sharif case judge Arshad Malik's resignation

The police in Islamabad barred journalists from posing questions to former Pakistan prime minister Nawaz Sharif as he appeared before the Accountability Court here on Thursday.

Sharif appeared before Accountability Court-II Judge Arshad Malik, who is hearing the Al-Azizia Steel Mills and Flagship Investment corruption cases against him and his family, Geo News reported.

While Sharif came for the hearing, the police told scribes that they could only exchange greetings with the three-time Pakistan prime minister, but are not allowed to talk about any other issues.

The trial against the Sharifs in the corruption cases against them had started on September 14 last year.

On July 6, Sharif and his daughter Maryam Nawaz were convicted in absentia in the Avenfield case by the Accountability Court. Apart from serving jail sentences, fines of eight million pounds and two million pounds were slapped on the father-daughter duo, respectively.

Sharif's son-in-law Captain (retd.) Muhammad Safdar, on the other hand, was given a one-year sentence but was exempted from paying fine.

However, last month, the Islamabad High Court had ordered the release of the trio in the Avenfield reference case, owing to lack of evidence.

Meanwhile, Sharif's two sons -- Hussain and Hasan have been absconding ever since the proceedings began last year, with the court having declared the two brothers as proclaimed offenders.

The police in Islamabad barred journalists from posing questions to former Pakistan prime minister Nawaz Sharif as he appeared before the Accountability Court here on Thursday.

The police in Islamabad barred journalists from posing questions to former Pakistan prime minister Nawaz Sharif as he appeared before the Accountability Court here on Thursday. Sharif appeared before Accountability Court-II Judge Arshad Malik, who is hearing the Al-Azizia Steel Mills and Flagship Investment corruption cases against him and his family, Geo News reported. While Sharif came for the hearing, the police told scribes that they could only exchange greetings with the three-time Pakistan prime minister, but are not allowed to talk about any other issues. The trial against the Sharifs in the corruption cases against them had started on September 14 last year. On July 6, Sharif and his daughter Maryam Nawaz were convicted in absentia in the Avenfield case by the Accountability Court. Apart from serving jail sentences, fines of eight million pounds and two million pounds were slapped on the father-daughter duo, respectively. Sharif's son-in-law Captain (retd.) Muhammad Safdar, on the other hand, was given a one-year sentence but was exempted from paying fine. However, last month, the Islamabad High Court had ordered the release of the trio in the Avenfield reference case, owing to lack of evidence. Meanwhile, Sharif's two sons -- Hussain and Hasan have been absconding ever since the proceedings began last year, with the court having declared the two brothers as proclaimed offenders.

Pak police stop scribes from questioning Nawaz Sharif

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Pakistan Supreme Court orders action against judge in Nawaz Sharif's case

Maryam Nawaz's interview 'forcefully' taken off air, alleges Pakistan scribe

Pakistani judge who jailed Nawaz Sharif sacked over blackmail claims

Pakistan: Islamabad High Court demands Nawaz Sharif case judge Arshad Malik's resignation

Pak police stop scribes from questioning Nawaz Sharif