An Accountability Court (AC) found Nawaz Sharif guilty in Al Azizia Steel Mills reference last December in line with apex court’s July 26 verdict in Panama Papers case and sentenced him to seven years of imprisonment and fine. Challenging the court’s decision before Islamabad High Court (IHC), Nawaz sought bail in the matter but the high court turned down the petition on February 25 to which the former premier invoked appellate jurisdiction of the apex court for relief on medical grounds. Suspending the sentence in the matter, SC granted bail to Nawaz for six weeks on medical grounds on March 26 with directives that the appellant shall not leave the country and shall surrender before jail authorities upon the expiry of the facility period, otherwise, he would be apprehended. The medical report described that Nawaz requires round-the-clock cardiac monitoring and he also needs day-to-day specialist care for his uncontrolled diabetes and hypertension. He needs special dietary management and daily titration of insulin dose whereas his medications have been optimised with strict dietary restrictions and he is also advised stress management.

Source: Pakistan Today April 25, 2019 15:11 UTC