News Analysis |
Nawaz Sharif, former Prime Minister, after being released on six-weeks-long medical leave, was taken to Sharif Medical City Hospital for initial medical examination. Maryam Safdar, Nawaz’s daughter, tweeted on the eve of Thursday to brief the nation about his father’s health. She said her father was taken to Sharif Medical City Hospital, where his preliminary workup and the clinical review was conducted. The former premier was examined by professors of cardiology, medicine, nephrology, and urology, his daughter said in her tweet.
She said her father’s renal and cardiac issues were more complicated and serious than what they already knew. “We shall know conclusively once we are through with the investigations and have the doctors’ recommendations before us,” Maryam said further.
His renal & cardiac issues are more complicated & serious than what we already know. We shall know conclusively once we are through with the investigations & have the drs’ recomendations before us. Till then aggressive & continuous management is crucial. https://t.co/u4Q2Z6b9Ds
— Maryam Nawaz Sharif (@MaryamNSharif) March 28, 2019
It is important to mention here that a three-judge bench headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan Justice Asif Saeed Khosa heard the former premier’s petition against a verdict by the Islamabad High Court (IHC) to not grant him bail on medical grounds in the Al-Azizia corruption reference.
It is also argued that a medical board constituted by the choice of Nawaz may also recommend him to go to London for his treatment. How courts and media react to unfolding political realities is yet to be seen.
The court has written in its detailed order that “bail granted to the petitioner through the present order shall automatically stand canceled upon expiry of six weeks from the date of his release whereupon the petitioner shall surrender to custody voluntarily failing which he shall be retaken into custody. Surrender to custody by the petitioner shall not include surrendering before a court with an application for bail”.
Soon after the decision of the court, various contradicting viewpoints came at the surface to explain the political significance of Nawaz’s medical leave and its impact on the politics of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N). Some analysts believe that the PML-N is the real winner after the decision since the verdict has validated their version of the story that Nawaz was not feeling well. Some analysts argue that the decision of the court is likely to help Nawaz get more relief. After six weeks Nawaz shall be able to produce one more medical report before the court and get relief on health grounds, it is added.
Read more: Nawaz out for six weeks to get medical treatment
Prominent anchorperson Dr. Moeed Pirzada asked Sabir Shakir, a political analyst if Nawaz’s legal counsel had presented the Harley Street Clinic Surgical Report before the Supreme Court to build up their case. Sabir Shakir maintained that Nawaz’s lawyer presented only a letter which was rejected by the court, nothing else.
Did Nawaz Lawyers submit Harley Street Clinic Surgical Report, of Open Heart Bypass of 2016 in Supreme Court? For full discussion: https://t.co/v2yUj4HYBE pic.twitter.com/9guMQN7MdL
— Moeed Pirzada (@MoeedNj) March 27, 2019
There is widely held perception in media that Maryam Nawaz shall keep on exaggerating the reports concerning the former PM’s health to garner public sympathy. After six weeks, a medical report along with mounting public pressure shall force the court to extend the medical leave for Nawaz. It is also argued that a medical board constituted by the choice of Nawaz may also recommend him to go to London for his treatment. How courts and media react to unfolding political realities is yet to be seen.