ISLAMABAD: The Ministry of Interior rejected an application by the former Prime Minister and PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif for renewal of his diplomatic passport, saying that he was wanted in several ongoing cases.
“He being a fugitive of law and absconder cannot seek any further relief unless he surrenders before the Courts in Pakistan,” the Ministry of Interior said in response to a request by Nawaz Sharif.
However, the ministry of interior has offered him special documents to return to the country. The interior ministry stated that in order to return to Pakistan, Nawaz Sharif may apply for an Emergency Travel Document (ETD) from the Pakistan High Commission in UK, and the same may be issued once he produces prior bookings of travel to Pakistan through PIA only.”
The Ministry of Interior in a two-page letter to the High Commission, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, cited reasons and directed Pakistan High Commission in London to stop further process.
The letter pointed out that as per the Islamabad High Court order, “Nawaz Sharif was granted 8-week bail in the form of suspension of sentence, which upon expiry was not extended by the Punjab Government as he failed to put forth reasonable cause as to why it should be extended for his medical treatment.”
The letter categorically states that therefore Nawaz Sharif was now required to serve the remainder of his sentence at Kot Lakhpat Jail, Lahore. “Yet, rather than obeying the dictates of the court and abiding by the conditions precedent in the bail granting order, he fled the country to avoid prosecution,” it added.
The interior ministry said that the issuance of a passport was not a fundamental right of any citizen. “It being a property of the Federal Government may only be issued once the applicant satisfies the relevant authorities regarding the bonafide of the application. A citizen’s right to travel abroad extinguishes once declared a fugitive of law,” it added.
The official passport of the former prime minister, who is currently absconding in London, expired early this year and he formally lodged an application with the Pakistan High Commission in London for renewal.
