Nawaz Sharif’s health and ailing politicians

Irrespective of political differences, there is no denying that Nawaz Sharif is severely ill and a person of his stature deserves humanitarian consideration. Although the ministers were initially dismissive of his health conditions, Prime Minister Imran Khan has expressed concern over his predecessor’s health.

Nawaz Sharif has been locked up in Kot Lakhpat Jail and his health has deteriorated. There has been a drastic drop in his platelet count and last week he suffered an angina attack. According to the latest diagnosis, he is suffering from acute ITP – a bleeding disorder that destroys platelets.

The Punjab government has reassured the public that he is being provided the best possible treatment, but PML-N workers allege that his life is in danger. They want him out and the courts are being approached to secure bail on medical grounds.

The government’s initial non-serious attitude towards Sharif’s health was filled with taunts and insults particularly from the information adviser Firdous Awan, who is herself a medial practitioner. Eventually, Imran Khan sent a get-well-soon message and stopped his party members from commenting on Sharif’s health.

However, the prime minister is adamant that all corruption cases will remain intact and the opposition cannot use these tactics to blackmail him. He has stated that no one can guarantee anyone’s life. Now it needs to be seen if the thrice premier will finally walk out and move abroad for treatment.

Nawaz Sharif may be unwell and in a serious condition, but there has been a trend of politicians falling sick with confronted with any corruption case. Many have paid visits to the hospital before even going to the courts or in prison, while others have preferred to stay in hospitals just to avoid case proceedings.

Now there are reports that even Zardari has fallen severely sick and his platelet levels are falling. The party wants the former president to be send to Dubai for treatment or given reprieve similar to Nawaz Sharif. Many other high profile cases notably Dr Asim Hussain, former Sindh minister Sharjeel Memon and others have used their ailing health to secure relief from the courts against corruption cases.

The government could have handled the matter of Nawaz Sharif’s health more maturely as it has given the opposition another reason to decry political victimisation. The health of a political opponent should not be used to settle scores as they could end up on the receiving end one day.