Published 10:32 IST, November 16th 2019
Imran Khan says 'No personal grudge against Nawaz Sharif', amid 'No Fly List' tussle
Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Friday stated that he holds no grudge against Nawaz Sharif and the frmr PM's health was more important than politics
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In an inronic show of diplomacy, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Friday stated that he holds no grudge against Nawaz Sharif and the ailing former premiers health was more important than politics, according to international media. Incidentally, the Pakistan government is yet to remove Sharif of the 'Exit Control List' to ensure travel on medical grounds. The 69-year old former Pakistan Prime Minister's health has been deteriorating since October when he was diagnosed with acute immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP), an insusceptible issue that prompts a sudden and sharp drop in blood platelets.
Pakistan allows Sharif's travel with riders
On November 12, the Pakistan Cabinet decided to allow the ailing former PM to go to the UK for medical treatment but only if he sign surety bonds worth Rs 7 billion, making a commitment that he would return after the treatment and face corruption cases against him. However, on Wednesday Sharif refused to meet Imran Khan's government's demand to submit indemnity bonds for travel to the United Kingdom. Khan has stated that the Sharif family was "playing politics" on the 69-year-old politician's health adding he had no issues if the Sharif family opted to approach the court instead of furnishing an indemnity bond.
Sharif refuses conditions
Earlier on Thursday, Sharif's brother -Shehbaz and PML-N chief said, “If something happens to Sharif, Imran Khan and company will be responsible as he is critical and the government is using the opportunity for their dirty politics". Another PML -N leader added, "Nawaz Sharif said the government demand is illegal and can't be met in the presence of the court guarantees. Nawaz also showed his annoyance over the government's 'tactics' to politicise the issue of his health."
What is the case against Sharif?
The former prime minister was lodged in the Kot Lakhpat jail but last month he was sent to the custody of the NAB which is probing the Sharif family in the Chaudhry Sugar Mills corruption case. On December 24, 2018, an accountability court had sentenced Sharif to seven years in prison in the Al-Azizia Steel Mills corruption case and acquitted him in the Flagship case. On October 29, the Islamabad High Court suspended Sharif's sentence in the Al-Azizia corruption case for eight weeks on medical grounds. The Sharif family has denied all corruption charges and termed them as politically motivated.
(With PTI inputs)
10:18 IST, November 16th 2019