Ex-Pak PM Nawaz Sharif's bail extension plea rejected

World Saturday 04/May/2019 14:17 PM
By: Times News Service
Ex-Pak PM Nawaz Sharif's bail extension plea rejected

Islamabad: Pakistan’s Supreme Court on Friday rejected former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s plea seeking an extension of his bail in a graft case on medical grounds.

The judges also rejected Sharif’s petition seeking permission to receive cardiac treatment at a London hospital where he had undergone open-heart surgery in 2015.

The three-time premier, who has been sentenced to 17 years in jail in two corruption cases, was granted bail for six weeks by the court after a medical board suggested he shift to a hospital for immediate cardiac treatment.

His bail will expire on 7 May.

According to the court’s judgment, Sharif, 69, has to surrender himself to authorities following the expiry of his bail.

His daughter and potential political heir Maryam Nawaz and son-in-law Mohammad Safdar have also been sentenced to seven years and one year in prison respectively in a corruption case. The two are also out on bail.

Nawaz Sharif denies the charges and claims he and his family are being targeted for political reasons.

After his plea was rejected, Maryam Nawaz wrote on Twitter, "Nawaz Sharif is not paying the penalty for any crime but is suffering for bring the voice of the people. The more difficult his sacrifices are, the fruit they bear will be that much sweeter and this fruit will be there for coming generations. I will say this again: Nawaz Sharif will God willing not let your heads hang in shame. This struggle is for you all."

Sharif served as premier in 1990-1992, 1997-1999, and 2013-2017, but was unable to complete even a single five-year term.