Former Federal Minister Daniyal Aziz on Wednesday withdrew his review petition against the Supreme Court verdict declaring him disqualified from holding public office in a contempt of court case. The leader of Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) refrained from sharing his reasons behind the unexpected decision. An apex court bench on June 28 declared the ex minister for privatisation ineligible to contest elections. The court ruled that Daniyal Aziz has committed contempt. The verdict also stated that the former federal minister is not eligible to contest the general elections. The Supreme Court had issued a show-cause notice to Daniyal Aziz in February over his “controversial speeches and statements made during television shows”. He was indicted on contempt charges by the bench on March 13. The court had reserved its verdict in the case on May 3 after the prosecution and defence sides completed their arguments. The former federal minister, who had defended former prime minister Nawaz Sharif and his family at media during the Panama Papers case last year, has been awarded a Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz ticket to contest the July 25 general election from NA-77, Narowal-I. Published in Daily Times, November 15th 2018.