Nawaz Sharif’s disease was diagnosed during suspension of sentence: counsel

ISLAMABAD (92 News) – Nawaz Sharif’s counsel Khawaja Haris, giving arguments in the plea for suspension of sentence in the Al-Azizia reference, said that his client’s disease was diagnosed during the suspension of his sentence. A division bench comprising Justice Aamir Farooq and Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani heard the plea. The court remarked that there should be no delay if someone is liable to be granted bail. “Can a petition be re-filed if the bail plea is rejected?” he questioned. The counsel stated that the application can again be filed on merit on medical grounds. He said that they were seeking suspension of sentence on the basis of medical test reports. “I can again move court on the basis of cardiac ailment even though the petition is rejected for diabetics,” he contended. Khawaja Haris stated that old diseases have intensified for not being treated. “Nawaz Sharif is also suffering from the disorder of arteries. The artery supplying blood to brain is not functioning properly,” he maintained. Meanwhile, the court had summoned NAB DG Irfan Mangi was summoned for submitting the reply with a delay. He was allowed to leave court after three hours when he promised not to delay the reply. Earlier in a detailed reply submitted to the IHC in response to Sharif’s plea, the NAB stated that the plea at hand is the third one seeking relief on the grounds similar to previous ones and therefore, is not maintainable and liable to be dismissed with exemplary costs. The NAB stated that the grounds on the basis of which Sharif sought his release are “non-conclusive observations contained in a medical report of the so-called Special Medical Board and recommendation and does not manifest any serious ailment endangering the life of the petitioner and on this ground alone the petition merits dismissal.” Nawaz requests to submit additional documents in IHC Former prime minister Nawaz Sharif filed a plea with the IHC seeking permission to submit additional documents in his bail petition on medical grounds in the Al-Azizia reference. In his petition, the PML-N supremo stated that he will be allowed to submit verified medical reports by foreign doctors for the fulfilment of justice. On Monday, the Kot Lakhpat Jail superintendent and a medical officer submitted the report regarding to the health condition of Nawaz Sharif in the IHC. In the reply, the jail superintendent and medical officer submitted health status of Nawaz Sharif. In a report, it is mentioned that Nawaz Sharif has been suffering from diabetes, blood pressure and health related diseases. It further said that the former prime minister had a heart bypass surgery in the years between 2011 and 2016, and stents were placed in his heart in the years 2001 and 2017. Moreover, the court is informed that Mr Sharif’s health condition was better under the current medical treatment offered to him. It added that when he was asked to undergo an ECG medical test, he refused it. Besides, his blood pressure and sugar reports are also attached with the overall health status report, including a list of medicines which his doctors have recommended him. Importantly, the jail superintendent has also pleaded with the court to dispose of Mr Sharif’s bail application. It is noteworthy that the former premier has sought suspension of his sentence on medical grounds in the Al-Azizia Steel Mills case while filing a second petition. On June 15, the NAB had requested the IHC to throw out a petition filed by Nawaz seeking his release from prison on medical grounds. In its response, the probe authority took the stance that the former prime minister’s health is in no imminent danger. The NAB stated that the medical reports did not suggest a surgery anytime soon and the court had sentenced Nawaz Sharif keeping in view his medical history. The probe body said that Nawaz cannot be released on bail by suspension of sentence. On May 21, the IHC the application of former prime minister Nawaz Sharif, who is serving seven-year term in the Al-Azizia reference, for bail on medical grounds for two weeks, issuing notice to the National Accountability Bureau (NAB). In the petition, it had been stated that Nawaz Sharif is suffering from multiple diseases which could jeopardize his health. The tests conducted during his six-week bail are also showing his disease life-threatening, it states. “Nawaz Sharif is suffering from heart arteries ailment. He should be treated by the doctors who had already treated him abroad,” it added.