News Desk |
The Supreme Court of Pakistan on Tuesday, 26th March gave former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif bail for six weeks to obtain medical treatment from anywhere within the country. A three-judge bench led by Chief Justice of Pakistan Asif Saeed Khosa granted bail today on medical grounds against two surety bonds of Rs5 million each.
The short order, read out by the chief justice in Court Room No 1, said that Nawaz Sharif will have to surrender himself to jail authorities once the bail period was over. If he fails to surrender, he will be arrested. This is the second time the former premier has been released on temporary bail, the first time being when his wife, veteran politician Mohtarma Kulsoom Nawaz passed away in London. He was given an interim bail for the grieving period and funeral arrangements.
Khawaja Haris said angina attacks can damage Nawaz Sharif’s heart. “All medical boards have said Nawaz Sharif’s angiography is necessary”.
In case Sharif wished to apply for bail when he returns to jail after six weeks, he will have to consult the high court, the order said. Khawaja Haris, Sharif’s legal counsel, had requested the court to grant an eight-week bail.
According to the orders, Nawaz Sharif would not be allowed to leave the country after being released on bail. The orders said he would be arrested if he failed to surrender before the law. If his health does not improve, Nawaz Sharif can file a new application for extension in his bail period.
During the hearing on the bail plea, the Chief Justice asked Sharif’s lawyer to prove that his client’s health is worsening keeping in view the fact that his medical condition dates back to 2003 while he was sentenced in 2018. “You want bail. We can order his (Nawaz Sharif) treatment from any hospital of his choice in Pakistan,” the CJP was quoted by TV channels as saying.
Read more: Is Nawaz Sharif going to London for his treatment?
When Khawaja Haris refereed to a letter of Nawaz Sharif’s physicist Dr. Lawrence, the Chief Justice asked him to explain the legal status of the letter. He said how the letter could be produced as evidence when it was not addressed to the court.
The CJP also said Dr. Lawrence’s letter was written to one Adnan, which is a private communication between two individuals. “Nawaz Sharif’s reports say he is suffering from heart disease but we want to know whether his life is in danger.
Tell us how his situation is different from his medical history. How is his health worsening,” the CJ was quoted as having told the lawyer.
Read more: What is the future of Nawaz Sharif?
Khawaja Haris said angina attacks can damage Nawaz Sharif’s heart. “All medical boards have said Nawaz Sharif’s angiography is necessary”.