Brig (R) Ijaz Ahmad Shah, Interior Minister, said that there is a “discrepancy” between the medical reports of former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, and the behavior he exhibited while departing for London for his medical treatment.
Speaking to prominent TV show host Mehar Bukhari, the interior minister said that the nation would not have questioned Nawaz Sharif’s departure from the country if he had departed “like a sick person” or was at least, seen boarding the plane on a wheelchair.
Nawaz’s Appearance Cast Doubts
The Interior Minister was commenting on Prime Minister Imran Khan’s statements expressing doubt on Nawaz Sharif’s medical condition. Shah agreed that there was a disparity in his medical reports and behavior.
Brig (R) Ijaz Ahmad Shah maintained that he was not involved in the process, but currently prevailing “doubts” would not have existed if he had been tasked with an investigation on the severity of Nawaz’s medical condition.
Commenting on the “issue” with Nawaz’s departure from the country, Shah observed that the problem started due to the “manner in which the Lahore High Court handled the case.” He said that it was uncommon for the LHC to hear an application on a Saturday, which was done in the case of Nawaz’s petition.
People were eating it up and the army decided to step in.” He agreed that corruption and breaking the constitution are “equally bad” offences
Shah said the government had placed the condition of submitting indemnity bonds before Nawaz’s departure for his treatment in London in order to set a “precedent” for other convicts who demand bail on medical grounds.
Responding to a question on the government’s reaction if Nawaz Sharif does not return to Pakistan as pledged, the Interior Minister said that the government will exercise all legal means to ensure the PML-N supremo is brought back to Pakistan.
Read more: No Updates on Nawaz’s Health, Nation is Eager for News: Dr. Firdous
Shah observed that even though multiple “conspiracy theories” are circulating with regards to how the PML-N Vice President Maryam Nawaz will attempt to obtain permission to join her father in London, he would advise against granting her the approval to leave the country. The Interior Minister also questioned the need for Maryam to oversee her father’s ongoing treatment when his other children are there to supervise his health.
Responding to a question about former President Asif Ali Zardari’s health condition, Shah said that the government will not create any obstacles in his treatment. He said, “He should be allowed the same treatment as Nawaz Sharif.” He said that the PPP leader can also go abroad for his treatment if recommended by doctors.
Assurances to Fazlur Rehman
The Interior Minister rejected all rumors of any “assurances” given to JUI-F Chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman by PML-Q’s Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi in exchange for ending his sit-in protest against the Imran Khan-led government.
He observed that in order to resolve a conflict between two parties, the “arbitrator lies 90% of the time.” Shah claimed that all opposition parties are presently deceiving one another. He said, “Will PML-N make Fazlur Rehman the Prime Minister instead of Shahbaz Sharif?”
The Interior Minister also questioned the need for Maryam to oversee her father’s ongoing treatment when his other children are there to supervise his health
The Interior Minister also dismissed all speculations of the stage being set for an “in-house change”. He expressed confidence that the ruling Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf will succeed in securing its honesty in the foreign funding investigation taken up by the Election Commission of Pakistan.
Former PM #NawazSharif had a cardiac consult & evaluation by Dr. David Lawrence, a Cardiothoracic Surgeon, at University College Hospital, Westmoreland Street (The Heart Hospital), London.
Mr. Sharif is given a roadmap for cardiac investigations & subsequent treatment ..— DR. ADNAN KHAN (@Dr_Khan) November 23, 2019
He observed that the ECP can submit recommendations against a political party to the federal government, but it has “no right” to disqualify the party.
Musharraf: A Decorated Soldier
Brig (R) Ijaz Ahmad Shah observed that it is wrong to term Musharraf as a fugitive, in fact, he is a “decorated soldier” who has not only served as the Chief of Army Staff, but has also fought two wars for the country.
The Interior Minister dismissed the narrative that former President Pervaiz Musharraf had locked up judges during his tenure, and said that he could say under oath that there were “no directives to misbehave with any judge.”
Read more: Nawaz Sharif likely to Undergo Cardiac Catheterization
Responding to why Musharraf has failed to return to the country and face the case against him, Shah observed that as seen in the recent photo trending on social media, he is “sicker than anyone else in Pakistan.” He said that in light of his severe health condition, the high treason case against the former military ruler should be dropped.
He agreed that a government representative should verify Musharraf’s illness in order to facilitate the courts in undertaking such a move. Shah observed that it was unfair to accuse someone who had “given his blood for the country” of being a traitor.
Discussing Pakistan’s history of martial law, Shah observed, “A vacuum had been created and Pakistan was stagnant. People were eating it up and the army decided to step in.” He agreed that corruption and breaking the constitution are “equally bad” offenses.