Daily Times

The Islamabad High Court (IHC), on Wednesday, delayed its verdict on the bail plea of the former prime minister, Nawaz Sharif, on medical grounds, in the Al-Azizia reference till April 9.

The court will also hold a hearing on the National Accountability Bureau (NAB)’s appeals against Sharif’s acquittal in the Flagship Investments and Al-Azizia corruption references over lack of evidence as well as the defendant’s appeal on Al-Azizia reference on the same day. The case would be presented before a two-member-bench, including Justice Aamir Farooq and Justice Mohsin Akhtar

The court also adjourned Sharif’s bail plea on medical grounds, effective till February 20.

Sharif’s counsel Khawaja Haris informed the court that his client could not be treated effectively at Jinnah Hospital, Lahore, and should be transferred to the Punjab Institute of Cardiology (PIC).

Upon a court inquiry about the health of the former premier, a representative doctor of the medical board, responsible for his health and an examination of his reports, remarked that some of his test reports were being awaited.

He further added that the patient had been shifted to Jinnah Hospital on February 15 and was not in any imminent danger, according to his test reports. Jinnah Hospital was said to be equipped with all necessary facilities and would treat the former prime minister if the authorities wished.

The watchdog body was represented by Deputy Prosecutor General Sardar Muzaffar Abbasi during the proceedings.

Published in Daily Times, February 21^st 2019.