Roadblock in Nawaz Sharif’s departure

Just when it was expected that Nawaz Sharif would fly abroad at any moment seeking medical treatment, the government has placed a huge road block. The ailing former prime minister’s departure has now been tied to an indemnity bond worth a staggering Rs7 billion.

The PTI government has given him a conditional one-time permission to travel abroad for a period of four weeks only. More importantly, it needs assurances from the Sharif family that the former premier would return home.

A cabinet sub-committee deliberated for several hours under Law Minister Farogh Naseem and eventually come up with these recommendations to remove Nawaz Sharif’s name from the Exit Control List. The law minister stated that the permission is based on Nawaz’s adverse medical condition and not on anyone’s consent.

The government claims that Nawaz Sharif’s case is different as he is already convicted rather than a suspect. There are very few precedents when a convict has been allowed to travel abroad. This is also important for instance if the PML-N leader fails to return, then diplomatic channels can be used to bring him back.

Nawaz Sharif will be able for apply for an extension after the four-week period ends. The surety bond can be submitted by him or his brother Shehbaz Sharif who filed the request seeking his removal from the no-fly list. There is no need to submit any asset or property details at this moment, rather the bond can be submitted on a stamp paper.

The PML-N has rejected the government’s conditional offer to allow Sharif to travel abroad. The party has blamed the submission of indemnity bonds on Prime Minister Imran Khan’s biased attitude and revenge politics. The PML-N spokesman has accused the government of creating hurdles in Nawaz’s immediate travel abroad despite knowing the gravity of the situation.

PML-N President Shehbaz Sharif has termed the submission of indemnity plots as a ransom, and has accused the government of engaging in ‘dirty politics’ on the former prime minister’s health. The matter has now been taken to the Lahore High Court in hopes of having the condition declared as illegal.

It seems that the matter will be dragged further in the courts. If the condition is struck down by the court, then it would be a huge setback. It seems the government now wants to shift the onus onto the judiciary. It is trying to keep the accountability narrative alive while ensuring Nawaz Sharif’s health is not overlooked.