Ailing Nawaz shifted to PIMS, Imran prays for recovery

–Caretaker govt makes the call owing to the ex-PM’s deteriorating health

–Nawaz stable after admission in hospital’s cardiac centre

–PM to-be Imran Khan wishes for a speedy recovery of ailing PML-N supremo

ISLAMABAD: The caretaker government on Sunday shifted former premier Nawaz Sharif Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) after his health deteriorated in Adiala Jail.

It was reported that doctors conducted a check-up after Nawaz complained of chest pain. It was advised that he be shifted to the Coronary Care Unit (CCU) immediately.

A convoy of vehicles carried Nawaz to the hospital from Adiala Jail. Upon Nawaz’s arrival at the Islamabad health centre, workers of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) welcomed the party’s supreme leader by chanting slogans.

He was carrying two bags with him and it was reported that he will stay at the hospital on Sunday night for the medical checkup.

Later on, Islamabad commissioner issued a notification to declare cardiac centre of PIMS as sub-jail for Nawaz.

AILING NAWAZ:

PIMS spokesperson Wasim Khawaja said Nawaz was in the hospital’s cardiac center and his condition was stable at the moment.

Earlier, the jail superintendent contacted the additional chief secretary after which the Interior Ministry officials told the media, “In light of the additional chief secretary’s report, the caretaker government decided to shift Nawaz to PIMS.”

“Nawaz’s electrocardiogram (ECG) was conducted and showed changes as per the medical report,” they said, adding that, “Preparations have been completed to shift the former premier to PIMS from Adiala Jail.”

It was reported that his ECG showed irregular heart activity and the tests revealed blood clots. The deposed PM is also experiencing pain in both arms. The ex-PM’s physician Dr Adnan Khan had requested the authorities to shift Nawaz for critical medical care. The ex-PM should be shifted to the critical medical care as he needs attention as a cardiac patient until tests normalise, Dr Khan said.

After initially refusing to be shifted to the PIMS, Nawaz agreed to be treated outside the prison after consulting with his personal doctor.

A team of doctors from Rawalpindi’s Institute of Cardiology headed by Chief Executive Major General (r) Azhar Mehmood Kayani visited the prison and compiled a report after carrying out a detailed medical examination.

Earlier on Sunday, Dr Naeem Malik, head of the PIMS cardiology department, suggested that authorities shift Sharif to the hospital as his blood tests showed clotting which, according to the doctor, was an alarming sign considering his medical history.

The PML-N supremo lives with diabetes and has also undergone bypass surgery. He currently takes medication for his heart condition, cholesterol and diabetes.

SECURITY BEEFED UP:

Meanwhile, security has been beefed up in and around the jail. Security personnel have been deployed around its premises and the media have been advised to steer clear of the premises.

Special arrangements of security were made both inside and outside of the PIMS. The authorities had turned off all CCTV cameras at the Islamabad hospital before Nawaz’s admission.

Moreover, the PML-N has denied reports that Nawaz’s mother Begum Shamim Akhtar was also admitted to the hospital due to her ailing condition. “Rumours regarding Muhammad Nawaz Sharif’s mother being hospitalised are unfounded, she is well Alhumdolilah and at her home,” the party said in its official statement.

On July 24, a medical board formed to ascertain his health said the former prime minister was in need of constant medical care and attention.

A five-member medical board formed by PIMS had conducted a medical check-up of Nawaz in Rawalpindi’s Adiala Jail, where the former prime minister is serving his sentence for corruption.

The team that was formed comprises senior doctors from Polyclinic Hospital headed by Senior Physician Dr Asif along with Dr Hamid Iqbal, Dr Imtiaz Ahmed and Dr Asma Kayani.

Last week, the former PM was suffering from dehydration and his blood urea content was 50 per cent higher than it should have been. He was advised to be shifted to the hospital, however, Nawaz Sharif refused and insisted that medical treatment is provided to him in prison.

IMRAN WISHES SPEEDY RECOVERY:

Prime Minister (PM) to-be Imran Khan, whose party has secured the most seats in the National Assembly after 2018 general elections, has wishes for a speedy recovery of the ailing PML-N supreme leader.

According to a statement circulating on media, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chairman has prayed that Nawaz recovers soon. He made the remarks after the caretaker government announced to shift Nawaz to PIMS after the irregular ECG and blood reports.

Meanwhile, the PTI has instructed its workers to avoid going to the PIMS to protest against the ex-premier.

Nawaz, who flew from London to Lahore along with his daughter Maryam Nawaz on July 13, was arrested on arrival at the Allama Iqbal International Airport. They were flown to Islamabad via a helicopter and shifted to jail, where he is serving the sentence awarded to him in the Avenfield properties case along Maryam Nawaz and son-in-law Capt (r) Safdar.