ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Wednesday sought a reply from the Punjab Home Department on former prime minister Nawaz Sharif’s plea seeking suspension of his sentence in the Al-Aziza reference on medical grounds.
A two-member bench comprising Justice Amir Farooq and Justice Mohsin Akhtar heard the plea and sought a record of Nawaz’s medical treatment along with a reply from the provincial home department. The court then adjourned the hearing till February 12.
The petition was filed by Nawaz Sharif’s lawyer Khawaja Haris under Article 199 of the Constitution of Pakistan for suspension of sentence awarded in December 24, 2018, judgement passed by the accountability court in Al-Azizia Steel Mills reference against the former premier.
Khawaja Haris contended that a writ petition had already been filed seeking suspension of the sentence and is fixed for February 18, whereas the medical condition of the petitioner deteriorated for which various tests have been conducted.
The counsel also produced the medical test reports before the court as well as pointed out that the report of the special committee in the matter was still awaited.
The bench issued notices to the state, NAB and Lahore’s Kot Lakhpat Jail superintendent for the next date of hearing.
The court also directed the Kot Lakhpat Jail superintendent for submission of the report regarding the medical condition of the petitioner and the test reports received by it on record so far.
The NAB was also directed for submission of medical reports including the latest report on facts conducted by the newly-constituted board.