Doubting Nawaz Sharif’s health

Prime Minister Imran Khan has taken another jibe at the health of his predecessor and rival Nawaz Sharif, raising doubts whether the former premier feigned an illness to travel abroad or is critically unwell.

The prime minister is sceptical about the veracity of medical reports on the PML-N leader’s health, saying he was shocked to see the way Nawaz Sharif ran up the stairs of the air ambulance. He wondered whether the former premier got healthy at the first sight of an aircraft or the climate in London.

It may be recalled that the government allowed Nawaz Sharif to travel abroad on humanitarian grounds after the recommendation of a medical board. The medical reports listed several diseases including cardiac issues, kidney ailments along with diabetes. It was concluded that the treatment for Sharif’s complications was unavailable in Pakistan. 

If Nawaz Sharif did indeed exaggerate his illness, then will the government also dismiss the medical reports submitted by their own authorities? Several state-run hospitals had conducted tests on the former prime minister, minimising the bias which could colour the medical opinion that Nawaz Sharif was in fact genuinely ill.

Since his departure, there have been scant updates on Nawaz Sharif’s health. It has only be revealed that he visited a hospital for a thorough examination in London and will receive a report next week. His personal physician has stated that Nawaz Sharif was examined by a Swiss doctor. He revealed that the arteries carrying blood to Nawaz’s brain were blocked indicting that his medical concerns are worse than expected.

PTI members have been on an offensive ever since Nawaz Sharif left the country. PM’s aide on information Firdous Awan said that Nawaz Sharif has a political illness and his health improved suddenly after he left the country. She stated that Nawaz’s health is linked to his palace, a reference to the infamous Avenfield flats where the prime minister is currently staying. Reports are also emerging that even Maryam Nawaz wants to head to London to be with her ailing father.

Only time will expose the reality behind Nawaz Sharif’s heath. If the former premier chooses to stay abroad, then he himself will be blamed for not adhering to the conditions to return back within four weeks. In the meantime, Prime Minister Imran Khan should focus on the great challenges and economic issues affecting the country.