The PTI-led Punjab government has sought fresh medical reports of the former prime minister Nawaz Sharif who is currently in London on bail for his medical treatment. Sources said the provincial government has given time to Nawaz Sharif till Friday to submit fresh medical reports. The former PM had moved an application to the Punjab government seeking extension in his stay abroad for his medical treatment.
Earlier, the provincial government had termed the reports of Nawaz Sharif as insufficient and asked him to present latest health-related documents including blood reports and platelets counts.
The Punjab Home department in its letter dated January 28, stated: "It is, therefore, required from your side to provide requisite reports within next three days, failing thereby, the competent authority will decide the matter of your application as per the available facts brought on record."
On December 23, 2019, Nawaz had sought an extension in his stay abroad on the expiry of the four-week period granted by the Lahore High Court. Following his request, the Punjab government constituted a four-member committee to decide on it and sought fresh medical reports to make an "informed decision".
The Punjab government's latest letter was written with regards to Nawaz's application under Section 401 (2) of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC), 1898. As per the home department, Nawaz's medical reports, submitted by his counsel Khawaja Haris, had been forwarded to the medical board, which concluded that they were "not sufficient to form a conclusive opinion". Following this, Haris was asked to submit the latest medical records in a letter dated January 6.
The home department shared the medical board's conclusions regarding the records which they said only summarised his cardiac imaging, echocardiography, holter monitoring and cardiac PET.
According to the Punjab government, Nawaz's haematological and biochemical reports, especially platelet count, were not provided. "The board would like to know, his [Complete Blood Count] CBC, kidney functions, bone marrow studies (if done), whole body PET scan as well as the plan by treating haematologist in order to stabilise you for necessary interventions."
Taking to Twitter, Dr Khan said: "Former PM Nawaz Sharif had pre-admission evaluation and investigations. The hospitalisation is planned and finalised in coming week to a cardiac centre of an NHS Trust Hospital."
Dr Adnan said that the ex-PM will be hospitalised for treatment next week. Nawaz Sharif is suffering from cardiac catheterization/coronary intervention to treat complex coronary artery disease, he added.
On Oct. 29, the Islamabad High Court (IHC) suspended the sentence of former premier Nawaz Sharif on medical grounds for eight weeks in the Al-Azizia reference case. The court had ordered him to submit two surety bonds of Rs 2 million each to the court for securing his release.
On Nov 19, Sharif arrived in London, three weeks after he was granted bail by the Islamabad High Court in the Al-Azizia case on medical grounds, along with his brother Shahbaz Sharif after the government and courts granted him permission to travel abroad. Sharif and members of his family had also consulted with several doctors, including those who specialise in cardiac issues and immune disorders.