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LONDON: British authorities have turned down former prime minister Nawaz Sharif’s request for an extension in his visit visa, according to media outlets citing sources.
Nawaz’s six-month visit visa had expired, after which he had put in a request with the UK Home Office to grant him an extension on health grounds. The immigration department, however, denied the request.
The PML-N supremo now has two options: to appeal the decision with the department, and in the event it is turned down, he can approach British courts.
The passport of Sharif, who traveled to London in 2019 for medical treatment, has already been revoked by the Government of Pakistan after being declared as a fugitive from law by a court.
In March, the interior ministry of Pakistan had written to the foreign secretary asking him to not heed a request made by Nawaz Sharif for a renewed diplomatic passport given his status as proclaimed offender from the court of law.
Sharif has to spend the rest of his sentence in Kot Lakhpat Jail and thus his passport may not be renewed allowing him to evade his fate written by the courts in many cases, it said.
If, however, he wishes to return to Pakistan to face the due cases, he may apply for emergency travel documents, the letter said.
