The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) on Saturday opposed the suspension of sentence of former prime minister Nawaz Sharif in the Al-Azizia reference.
The NAB has submitted a 12-page response to the Islamabad High Court. In its reply, the watchdog took the stance that the former prime minister’s health is in no imminent danger. It stated that the medical reports did not suggest a surgery anytime soon, adding that the court had sentenced Nawaz Sharif keeping in view his medical history.
The anti-graft watchdog stated that the petition at hand is the third one seeking relief on the grounds similar to previous ones and, therefore is not maintainable and liable to be dismissed with exemplary costs.
Quoting a Supreme Court verdict in a similar matter, it contended that the apex court had laid down principles for the grant of bail according to which bail can be granted in ‘extraordinary circumstances and in cases of extreme hardships only which entail serious ailments endangering the petitioner’s life’. NAB stated that the grounds on the basis of which Nawaz Sharif has sought his release are ‘non-conclusive observations contained in a medical report of the so-called special medical board and do not manifest any serious ailment endangering the life of the petitioner and on this ground alone the petition merits dismissal’.
It said the Supreme Court had earlier granted six-week bail to the petitioner for treatment but he flouted the court orders. “According to medical reports compiled by the special medical board of the Sharif Medical City, the petitioner is suffering from two alleged ailments, including lymphadenopathy and renal artery stenosis causing hypertension,” the reply read.
“It is pertinent to mention that the ailments are not life threatening during incarceration of the petitioner where necessary medical treatment is being provided,” it added.
A hearing on Nawaz’s petition seeking suspension of sentence will be held on June 19.
The PML-N leader’s counsel had cited medical reports stating that his condition was critical and required a stress-free environment to recuperate.
In May, the Supreme Court had rejected Nawaz’s review petition seeking permanent bail on medical grounds and permission to go abroad for medical treatment. The top court had ordered him to surrender before the court as soon as his interim bail period ended. The bench, however, had suggested his counsel to approach appropriate forum to get any further relief.
