IHC seeks Nawaz’s medical reports

Hearing of appeals against the Al Azizia and Flagship references have been adjourned till April 2

ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Monday sought ousted premier Nawaz Sharif's new medical reports after he was admitted to Lahore's Jinnah Hospital.

The IHC's division bench, comprising Justice Amir Farooq and Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kiyani, heard the petitions by Nawaz’s counsel Khawaja Haris challenging the earlier verdict and seeking bail on medical grounds.

The verdict had convicted former premier Nawaz Sharif and sentenced him to seven-year imprisonment. The Al Azizia corruption reference was filed by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) in light of the Supreme Court’s verdict in Panamagate case.

Various PML-N leaders including Pervaiz Rasheed and Marriyum Aurangzeb were also present in court for the hearing

After Nawaz's medical reports were presented in court, Justice Amir Farooq said that the reports contradict each other and added that
two different terminologies used in the report give a different perception.



Death row and life imprisonment prisoners also released from prison on hardship grounds, argued Haris.

"Has the hospital given an official report on Nawaz's condition," Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kiyani inquired from Nawaz's counsel.

A Punjab government official claimed that Nawaz was shifted to the hospital on the recommendation of the medical board and various tests of the PML-N supremo are being conducted at the facility.



"On whose directions was the medical board formed," the court asked.

The main question is whether the patient being provided with medical facilities, Justice Kiani inquired further.

I haven't had a chance to meet my client, he must have some reservations, Haris responded.

The defence counsel further said that cardiology issues can be treated at the Punjab Insititute of Cardiology. "Jinnah Hospital not a special cardiology hospital," said Haris

When will the reports be issued of the tests taking place at Jinnah hospital, the court inquired, to which the provincial government official responded that he was not sure when the reports will be released .

"Nawaz was shifted to the hospital on February 15, and his medical condition is being examined, which is his basic right."

Whatever doctors recommend will be done, the provincial official stated. The ward of the Jinnah hospital has been made a sub jail, and the notification was presented before the court, he added further.

 

"His condition can deteriorate in jail, hence we request suspension of sentence on medical grounds," appealed the defence counsel.

The judge said the decision will be taken on the basis of merit and adjourned the hearing till February 20.

Hearing of appeals against the Al Azizia and Flagship reference have been adjourned till April 2.