–PM’s aide says Imran made decision after seeing medical reports of ailing former premier
–Maryam says she wants to accompany father, but can’t do so immediately because of seizure of passport by LHC
–Shehbaz says appointment booked at London’s Harley Street Clinic, ex-PM might go to US if needed
LAHORE: A close aide of Prime Minister Imran Khan on Friday said that the government had allowed former prime minister Nawaz Sharif to go abroad for medical treatment, as the latter’s family moved a written request to the Interior Ministry to remove his name from the Exit Control List (ECL).
According to Naeemul Haque, Prime Minister Imran had seen Nawaz’s medical reports, which showed that the former prime minister was “very ill”.
“It is the right of every Pakistani to have themselves treated as they see fit,” he said, adding that the government has no reservations over Nawaz seeking treatment abroad.
Naeem said that it was up to the courts to decide how much time will be given to Nawaz to seek medical treatment.
“The court will decide as to how many times Nawaz can go abroad,” he said. “It is also up to the court to decide on how long Nawaz can stay abroad for medical treatment.”
According to details, the officials at the Interior Ministry are waiting for the formal orders to remove the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supremo’s name from the ECL. They added that the former premier will be allowed to travel abroad within the next 48 hours.
Officials also said that the three-time prime minister’s name will not be removed till the orders come from the government. It is also expected that the government may consult with NAB on the issue.
Earlier in the day, PML-N President Shehbaz Sharif had approached the Interior Ministry for the removal of his elder brother’s name from the ECL.
Nawaz who was discharged from the Services Hospital two days ago, was taken to his residence, Jati Umra on Wednesday, 16 days after he was hospitalised in critical condition.
Nawaz’s name was placed on the no-fly list on the request of National Accountability Bureau (NAB).
Meanwhile, Nawaz’s personal physician Adnan Khan tweeted Friday that the former premier was “critically unwell”. “The unexplained cause and uncertain diagnosis complicates the overall clinical scenario requiring advanced investigations and specialised care,” he added.
MARYAM WANTS TO GO WITH FATHER:
His daughter Maryam Nawaz, seen by many as his political heir, told reporters that “since the matter concerns my father’s life, he should be flown wherever treatment of his disease is possible”.
Maryam, who is also a vice president of the PML-N, regretted the circumstances requiring her to stay in Pakistan if her father travels abroad for a medical check-up.
“It would be very difficult if I am unable to accompany my father abroad for medical treatment,” Maryam said, adding that “Mian sahib should certainly go if his health requires it.”
Following an appearance before an accountability court regarding the Chaudhry Sugar Mills (CSM) case, Maryam said that her uncle Shehbaz Sharif had been managing the issue of taking the former premier abroad.
“I obviously can’t travel immediately because the court has my passport,” she said, referring to the Lahore High Court’s (LHC) directive for her to surrender her passport in order to secure her release on bail in the CSM case.
Responding to a question about the former premier’s health, Maryam said that he was doing “better”. She said that all treatments available in Pakistan, including steroids, platelet enhancing medicines and drips, had been used but they were not working.
“On a daily basis, his platelet count is dropping,” she said, adding that despite exhausting all available treatment options in Pakistan, they have still not been able to diagnose the cause of the fall in Nawaz’s platelet levels.
She said that a Services Hospital board consisting of government doctors and Nawaz’s private medical board had recommended that the former premier should go to a specialized center, where a diagnosis can be made regarding why his platelets fell suddenly.
She said that the doctors had added that all available options for treatment had been availed in Pakistan.
“Every possible effort to save [Nawaz’s] life should be taken. If he has to go abroad, then he should certainly go.”
The PML-N vice-president was asked about whether she would participate in the JUI-F Azadi March sit-in, in response to which she said: “Politics will go on all [my] life but you can’t get your parents back.”
“I lost my mother one year ago, right now my full attention is on Mian sahib.
“I don’t leave him with servants and nurses. I am with him 24/7.”
The PML-N leader also dismissed comments regarding a deal being reached, saying that people who are saying such things, should be ashamed.
Maryam added that she had appeared before the court with great difficulty today. The court adjourned proceedings in the CSM case till Nov 22.
APPOINTMENT BOOKED IN LONDON:
According to PML-N President Shehbaz Sharif, the family has booked an appointment for the former premier at London’s Harley Street Clinic where the latter’s wife had also been treated.
He said that currently there were no plans of taking him to the United States but the option would be considered if the doctors advise so.
