Nawaz’s medical reports were vague: IHC

Issues detailed verdict on former premier’s bail plea on medical grounds

ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has ruled that reports of the Sharif Medical City with regard to health condition of former prime minister Nawaz Sharif were vague while the foreign doctors were also not able to tell the court why Nawaz’s treatment is not possible in Pakistan.

The IHC on Friday issued its detailed order citing reason for its June 20 rejection of the three-time former prime minister’s plea to grant him bail in view of his deteriorating health condition. Nawaz has been serving 7-year jail term since his December 2018 conviction in Al-Azizia corruption case.

In its 7-page detailed verdict, the court maintained that opinion of private doctors could not be regarded as final. It said all medical facilities are being provided to Nawaz Sharif at Kot Lakhpat Jail and hence bail cannot be granted on medical grounds.

The order said Nawaz Sharif never requested the superintendent jail or the court to constitute any medical board to examine his disease. In its reply submitted to the IHC by the jail superintendent, it was said Nawaz Sharif’s life was not in danger.

According to prison rules, the jail superintendent has the authority to constitute a medical board in view of health condition of a prisoner. “Nawaz Sharif’s request for bail on medical ground is not on merit and hence is being rejected,” said the order.