Pakistan’s finance minister to face court on graft charges

Ishaq Dar is scheduled to appear before Pakistan’s anti-corruption court today.

The hearing is the latest development in a graft investigation into ousted PM Nawaz Sharif. Prosecutors allege shell companies owned by Sharif’s children were used to purchase luxury property in London; they accuse Dar of acquiring assets beyond his means, totalling nearly $8 million.

Despite being disqualified from holding office in July, Dar was re-appointed to his role as finance minister in August. However, recently installed PM Shahid Khawan Abbasi has curtailed Dar’s responsibilities, assuming the chairmanship of the Economic Coordination Committee, which coordinates Pakistan’s monetary policy.

While no longer PM, Nawaz Sharif remains party president and has indicated a preference to keep Dar in the cabinet. Should Dar stave off the corruption watchdog, a change of portfolio could follow.