The chairman of Public Accounts Committee (PAC) and Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly Shehbaz Sharif was not able to chair the meeting on Thursday due to his backache.

Sharif excused his presence from the meeting at the Parliament saying that he has been advised by his doctors to rest due to his backache. Doctors had conducted his medical checkup on Wednesday, taking several tests after which they suggested the PAC chairman complete bed rest for a few days, local media reported.

Sharif was expected to chair a PAC meeting on law and order, however, he has excused himself from today's meeting. The opposition leader has been in National Accountability Bureau's custody since October 5 in a case pertaining to Ashiana Housing Scheme.

In December, the opposition leader was appointed as PAC chairman after the government broke a deadlock regarding the appointment of a chairman.