Nawaz’s health debate

The status of Nawaz Sharif’s health condition is shrouded in mystery. When allowed to fly abroad by the federal government in the wake of an eight-week bail granted by the Islamabad High Court on medical grounds on October 29, 2019, the three-time former prime minister was said to have been serious, suffering from a medical condition called thrombocytopenia which means his body was unable to maintain a minimum count of blood platelets necessary to avoid bleeding. But, having been in London since November 19 last year, Sharif is not known to have been admitted to hospital for any kind of treatment – something that raises questions about the ‘seriousness’ of his current medical condition.

The PML-N has its own set of medical reasons to justify the delay in treatment, and thereby its position and that of its leader. However, the government has little doubt that Sharif – who, when bailed out, had been serving a seven-year prison sentence in Lahore’s Kot Lakhpat jail over Al Azizia corruption reference – is faking his health to avoid returning to the country. In fact, the PM has time and again made comments implying that he had been dodged by the authorities under his very control – ironically including his own health minister in Punjab – into believing that Sharif was serious enough to be allowed treatment abroad. The government – having already extended Sharif’s bail duration for eight months – has now decided not to allow any further extension, and approach the Islamabad High Court to declare the ex-PM absconder in case he does not return.

It’s true that Sharif has had heart complications and has undergone cardiac surgeries in 2011 and 2016, but a political angle to the story – featuring his travel to London for medical treatment and his stay there well beyond the period initially allowed by the high court – cannot be ruled out completely. And as the PM has repeatedly suggested being tricked – obviously by those under his own clout and control – he should launch an inquiry to exhume the facts rather than just point an accusing finger at his political opponents in a bid to justify his position. The responsibility squarely lies with the government.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 27^th, 2020.

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