LHC seeks govt, NAB reply on Nawaz's treatment abroad

PML-N challenges govt's condition of submitting indemnity bond worth Rs7-7.5b

LAHORE: The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Thursday sought reply from the federal government and the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) in a petition filed by PML-N seeking removal of former premier Nawaz Sharif’s name from the no-fly list unconditionally.

The PTI-led government granted on Wednesday the Sharif family patriarch a “one-time” permission to travel abroad for medical treatment for a period of four weeks provided he submits an indemnity bond to the tune of Rs7-7.5 billion.

However, the PML-N was quick to reject the government’s terms, describing the decision “discriminatory” and “based on political vindictiveness”.

In a petition filed by PML-N President Shehbaz Sharif, the counsel contended before the divisional bench headed by Justice Ali Baqar Najafi that the health of the former PM was deteriorating and his medical treatment was not possible in Pakistan.



The medical board formed by the government, he added, also recommended Nawaz to seek treatment abroad.

Additional attorney general (AAG) challenged the jurisdiction of the LHC, contending that only Islamabad High Court could hear the application.

The applicant requested the court that Article 15 of the Constitution guaranteed freedom of movement, which was being violated by the government.

Justice Najafi inquired if Nawaz was placed on the ECL in 2018 with the recommendation of NAB's Lahore or Islamabad bureau.

To this, the AAG replied that it would be appropriate to examine the record in this regard.

After hearing the arguments, the judge adjourned the hearing till Friday.