Shehbaz, son Hamza released on parole for five days

The release comes a day ahead of Begum Shamim Akhthar's funeral in Lahore

LAHORE:

Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz President Shehbaz Sharif and his son Hamza Shehbaz were released from jail on parole for five days on Friday, to attend Begum Shamim Akhtar's funeral.

The Punjab home department had earlier in the day issued a notification approving the release of the father and son.

According to the home department, the PML-N had requested for the two to be released for at least 14 days. However, Punjab Chief Minister Usman Buzdar and the cabinet approved a five-day parole.

The parole has been granted under Section 545B of the Pakistan Prison Rules 1978, the notification stated.

According to the home department, the PML-N leaders have been released on humanitarian grounds.

The party leaders were received by PML-N Deputy Secretary-General Attaullah Tarar at the Kot Lakhpat Central Jail. Escorted by a convoy of security officials and party members, the two were said to be heading to Model Town right after the release.

Earlier this week, the PML-N had filed an application seeking release for Shehbaz Sharif and his son Hamza Shehbaz on parole, following the death of Shehbaz and Nawaz Sharif's mother, Begum Shamim Akhtar, in London last Sunday.

The funeral prayers for the mother of PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif and his brother and party president Shehbaz Sharif will be offered at the Sharif Medical City on Saturday.

Attaullah informed that Begum Shamim's body would reach Lahore on Saturday at around 6:45am via a British Airway flight.

The funeral prayers would be offered the same day at 2pm.