Former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif arrived in London on Tuesday evening to begin his treatment after heated strife between the incumbent Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf government and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) over the removal of his name from the Exit Control List (ECL).
The PML-N supremo departed via an air ambulance from Qatar, and a large number of PML-N leaders and workers arrived at his residence, Jati Umra, and the airport to see him off. Flower petals were showered on the former Premier’s vehicle, as the crowd chanted slogans praising Nawaz Sharif and against Prime Minister Imran Khan.
https://twitter.com/PMLNUk2019/status/1196879028155752449
Nawaz Sharif’s mother and daughter Maryam Nawaz saw him off from the residence, while Shahbaz Sharif arrived at the Allama Iqbal International Airport earlier to oversee the immigration process. Dr. Adnan Khan, Nawaz Sharif’s personal physician was also traveling with the former prime minister.
Nawaz Off to London
The air ambulance carrying the PML-N supremo stopped in Doha for a few hours to refuel and change the medical and aircrew before proceeding towards London. Speaking to the press about Sharif’s departure, PML-N Spokesperson Marriyum Aurangzeb said, “Doctors examined Nawaz Sharif at Jati Umra before his departure, and he was administered a heavy dose of steroids to help him travel.”
Reports reveal that Qatar Amir Sheikh Tamim Al-Thani sent his chief of protocol to receive Nawaz Sharif from inside the aircraft and accompany him to the Royal Terminal lounge during the stopover in Doha. The Premier arrived in London at 6:30 pm and was received by members of his family and party workers, who accompanied him to the family apartment in Avenfield, Park Lane.
Read more: Trusting Nawaz Was Bit Hard When 5 Family Members are Absconders
The former Premier will be taken to the Harley Street Clinic to conduct some tests, and if needed, he might be moved to Boston, US, to continue the treatment. Reports suggest that the ailing Prime Minister is scheduled to be taken to Harley Street Clinic on Wednesday.
A special room at his son Hussain Nawaz’s house has been prepared and equipped with emergency medical facilities to allow Dr. Adnan to look after Nawaz’s health.
بیشک عوام کے دلوں کا وزیراعظم نواز شریف ہے. اللہ تعالیٰ ان کو جلد صحتِ کاملہ و عاجلہ عطا فرمائے. آمین pic.twitter.com/Bz5iWqdv79
— Zayd Hussain Nawaz Sharif (@zayd280) November 19, 2019
PML-N leaders have said that Nawaz Sharif will return to Pakistan once he has recovered, while many opinion-makers and members of the incumbent government have expressed disbelief over this declaration.
The Federal Minister for Science and Technology Fawad Chaudhry remarked at the ailing Premier for climbing up the stairs of the air ambulance, taunting that it appears that his health has improved after the court ruled in his favor. Fawad Chaudhry said, “Sharif should have been treated like any other criminal.”
Sharif should have been treated like “any other criminal”: @fawadchaudhry https://t.co/2VO4Sl1OdL
— Ministry of Science & Technology (@MinistryofST) November 19, 2019
Ali Haider Zaidi, the Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs said, “Francis Ford Coppola who wrote the Godfather should do a film on the Sharif Family of Pakistan.”
Zaidi continued, “May Allah bless all who fight & struggle for this great country & it’s people. May the Wrath of Allah fall on all those who have looted Pakistan.”
Francis Ford Coppola who wrote the GodFather should do a film on the Sharif Family of Pakistan.
May Allah bless all who fight & struggle for this great country & it’s people.
May the Wrath of Allah fall on all those who have looted Pakistan. pic.twitter.com/k4A5pIZM83
— Ali Haider Zaidi (@AliHZaidiPTI) November 20, 2019
Responding to the statements given by Prime Minister Imran Khan and his ministers with regards to Nawaz Sharif’s illness, PML-N Senator Pervaiz Rashid, said, “I can respond in a befitting manner to the Prime Minister but today is not the day. Mian Nawaz Sharif will return soon after his health has recovered.”
Relief for Zardari & Arrested Leaders
Pervaiz Rashid said that former President Asif Ali Zardari should also be provided relief in accordance with the protocol provided to former presidents across the globe.
He said, “Asif Ali Zardari did not commit any wrongdoing in the past five years for which he has been arrested.” He added that Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, Maryam Nawaz and the Khawaja brothers, amongst other PML-N leaders have also been victimized for political objectives.
https://twitter.com/Ahmed_WB/status/1196901090022895621
Responding to a question on whether Nawaz Sharif has brokered a deal to leave the country, Rashid said, “The Prime Minister said that there has been no deal.”
Reacting to Prime Minister Imran Khan’s speech on Monday, PML-N leader Khawaja Asif observed that Imran Khan appears “desperate and frustrated.” Raja Zafarul Haq and Khawaja Asif have been tasked with the responsibilities of running the party affairs in the absence of PML-N President Shahbaz Sharif.
Read more: “Are the Rest Not Human”? Asks Chairman NAB after Nawaz’s Departure
PML-N Secretary General Ahsan Iqbal said in this regard, “We will take guidance from the party president on policy matters.”
Ailing Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has reached London a day after the interior ministry allowed him to travel abroad for his treatment. The notification stated that the decision has been taken as an “interim arrangement” in light of the Lahore High Court ruling last week. The interior ministry also replicated the statement given by the Sharif brothers to the Lahore High Court, while Nawaz Sharif’s name will remain on the Exit Control List.