Published 20:20 IST, November 19th 2019
Nawaz Sharif leaves for London aboard high-end Air ambulance
Ailing former Prime Minister of Pakistan Nawaz Sharif flew to London on Tuesday after a court in Pakistan allowed him to leave the country for medical treatment
Ailing former Prime Minister of Pakistan Nawaz Sharif flew to London on Tuesday after a court in Pakistan allowed him to leave the country for medical treatment.
As per the medical board that has been treating Sharif, he is diagnosed with acute immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP), an immune disorder that leads to an abrupt and sharp drop in blood platelets. Nawaz Sharif who has been serving a prison sentence in a corruption case was also put on a no-fly list by Pakistan, however he was given a concession to travel to London.
Imran Khan Government's condition
On Saturday the Lahore High Court lifted the travel ban on Nawaz Sharif after his council moved to the court as the Imran Khan government was reluctant to release him for his treatment. The Imran Khan government wanted Nawaz Sharif, who is serving a seven-year prison, to sign an indemnity bond worth 44 million US Dollar before allowing him to proceed for his treatment. The government's decision was overturned by the Lahore High Court who allowed Nawaz Sharif to fly to London for his treatment, without signing any bond.
Nawaz Sharif left on Tuesday in a Qatar Airways Air Ambulance A 319 that arrived at the Lahore airport to take Sharif to London. The aircraft had a brief halt at Doha after which it flew for London. A picture accessed by Republic TV shows Nawaz Sharif onboard a “high end” air ambulance on way to London.
Pakistan media reported that Sharif will go to Boston after going through a detailed check-up in London. The immigration officers told the Pakistani media that Nawaz's medical files were handed over to the team traveling with the former prime minister in the air ambulance. Doctors also conducted blood tests prior to the departure.
The 69-year-old PML-N supremo, who is currently charged under two corruption cases is facing another reference by the National Accountability Bureau of Pakistan. He was accompanied to the airport by a large number of supporters as well as party leaders, PML-N leaders, including Khawaja Asif and Ahsan Iqbal. As per Pakistani media, Nawaz Sharif’s departure comes a day after the interior ministry issued a notice allowing the former Prime Minister to travel abroad for medical treatment, saying that the decision was an "interim arrangement" in the light of the Lahore High Court’s decision, that was passed last week.
Updated 22:20 IST, November 19th 2019