London, July 13: Former Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, sentenced to long jail terms in Avenfield properties corruption case, was on his way to Pakistan from London on Friday to begin their prison sentence. Ahead of his arrival at Lahore's Allama Iqbal International Airport, Nawaz Sharif got emotional and said he was returning for betterment of future generaitons.

"I am indebted by the love of the nation and it is for the betterment of future generations of Pakistan, I am returning to my country," Sharif said at Business Class lounge of Abu Dhabi Airport where his flight landed for a layover. "I am doing what I should do, I am taking my struggle forward. I am going to Pakistan, but what credibility is now left of the elections? Who will believe the results?" he added.

Sharif was sentenced in absentia to 10 years last week over his family's ownership of four luxury flats in London. His daughter Mariyam Nawaz and son-in-law Captain (retired) Muhammad Safdar Awan were sentenced for seven years and one year respectively. Maryam was with her father in the same flight.

Sharif has accused Pakistan's security establishment of conspiring against him ahead of the July 25 general election. In a video message, tweeted by Maryam Nawaz, the former leader urged his followers to stand with him and "change the fate of the country".

"The country is at a critical juncture right now. I have done what I could. I am aware that I have been sentenced to 10 years (in prison) and I will be taken to a jail cell straight away. But I want the Pakistani nation to know that I am doing this for you," Sharif said. (With IANS inputs)

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 13, 2018 05:42 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).