Nawaz’s health update

There was immense political upheaval when former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif departed for London on the pretext of seeking medical treatment. Now things are about shake up after the Punjab government has given the final deadline to submit an update on his health.

Earlier this month, a picture of Nawaz  Sharif dining at a London restaurant along with some members of this family surfaced on social media raising questions on the former premier’s health. This infuriated the government for it became clear that the PTI leadership was misguided and the adverse situation of the former PM’s health was exaggerated.

Nawaz has filed for an extension in his stay abroad on the basis of his existing records. The Punjab Home Department has given a final warning to submit medical reports within three days to ascertain his condition. The reports already submitted are inadequate and Nawaz’s physicians have been asked for a platelet count report which has been missing, along with several other tests.

Nawaz was serving a seven-year sentence in the infamous Al-Azizia case when life behind bars became unbearable for him. After several attempts to secure bail, alongside external interventions, Nawaz approached the Lahore High Court to secure his release on medical grounds. As Nawaz left, questions were raised whether he would ever return back and more importantly whether he has a future role in politics.

The Sharif family has given scant updates on his health. His son, Hussain Nawaz, has said that Nawaz was confined to the house, hospital visits, and can barely walk. His personal physician has said that he would be hospitalised soon to treat a complex coronary artery disease. The fact that Nawaz has not undergone any surgical intervention in the last two months has raised further doubts about his condition.

It is unclear what action the Punjab government would take if Nawaz fails to provide complete medical reports. The bail extension might be denied declaring him a fugitive but this is insufficient as Nawaz is already in safe territory. PML-N leaders have stated that they were granted permission from the courts, not the government, and will be answerable to them.

While Nawaz might not be much concerned, this will surely affect the political atmosphere. If he is genuinely unwell, then he should submit his medical reports. The government should maintain a working relationship with the opposition and not take any steps which may create chaos in the country.