Pakistan: Ex PM Nawaz Sharif Granted Bail

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A Pakistani court granted bail to jailed former PM Nawaz Sharif on medical grounds Friday, his lawyer told media. Sharif, 69, was ousted from his post in July 2017 for lying about his wealth after the Panama Papers leaks, which showed he and his family had undeclared businesses in Saudi Arabia and luxurious apartments in London.

October 26th, 2019
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He denied the allegations and says the cases against him are politically motivated. He was sentenced last year to seven years behind bars for corruption.

Sharif’s party filed a request with the Islamabad High Court, asking judges to suspend his sentence after he was admitted to the hospital on Monday.

“The party applied for bail in the court purely on health grounds as he needs serious medical attention,” lawyer Azam Tarar told OCCRP. “The bail has been granted,” he added.

Sharif has been diagnosed with a serious immune disorder, according to party officials who have accused the government of the current Prime Minister, Imran Khan, of withholding medical care.

“Nawaz Sharif's platelets levels are critical and further decreasing,” Ahsan Iqbal, former Interior Minister and Secretary General of the Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) party told OCCRP.

Iqbal asked the nation to pray for Sharif’s health.

“Political differences notwithstanding, my sincere prayers are with Nawaz Sharif for his health. I have directed all concerned to ensure provision of the best possible health care and medical treatment to him," Imran Khan tweeted.