Ex-PM Nawaz reaches London for medical treatment

LONDON: Former prime minister Nawaz Sharif arrived here last night in an air ambulance to receive medical treatment — a month after the three-times prime minister was released on bail from a seven-year sentence.

Punjab’s former chief minister Shahbaz Sharif accompanied his brother, 69, to London along with Dr Adnan, Nawaz Sharif’s personal physician. The Lahore High Court allowed Nawaz Sharif one-time permission to travel to London after doctors established that Sharif’s life was at risk and he was suffering from an auto-immune blood disorder, high blood pressure and deteriorating kidney function.

Nawaz Sharif’s eldest son Hussain Nawaz alleged that his father might have been given poison in the custody at the Kot Lakhpat jail or in the custody of the National Accountability Bureau (NAB).

Prime Minister Imran Khan had said that his government had no objection to Sharif travelling abroad. He said yesterday that Sharif had assured the court that he will return to Pakistan upon completion of his treatment. From airport, Nawaz Sharif arrived at Hasan Nawaz Sharif’s flat. Hussain Nawaz arrived in London from Saudi Arabia on Tuesday evening. Ahead of Nawaz Sharif’s arrival at Hasan’s flat, former finance minister Ishaq Dar, Sharif’s son-in-law Ali Dar and Sharif’s youngest daughter Asma Sharif arrived at the Avenfield apartments. Suleman Shahbaz Sharif arrived to meet his uncle with his wife.

Nawaz Sharif had flown to Doha from Lahore and departed to London after refueling and brief rest.A Sharif family spokesman said that they would be consulting doctors in London and then take a decision. He said that Nawaz Sharif will be treated at Hasan Nawaz’s flat and a room has been reserved for his treatment. The room has been equipped with the necessary equipment as advised by the doctors, said the source.

A source at the Harley Street Clinic said that two doctors have been engaged and they will review the situation and then further decision will be taken.