Pakistan's jailed former prime minister Nawaz Sharif, who is serving seven-year imprisonment in a corruption case, has been shifted to a hospital in Lahore from the Kot Lakhpat jail here for cardiac treatment.

Sharif, 69, was brought to the Jinnah Hospital from the jail in high security.&nbsp;

The Punjab home department has declared the private ward of Jinnah Hospital a "sub-jail" for the duration of Sharif's stay there.

The ousted premier was shifted back to jail on February 7 after having a six-day treatment at Services Hospital where a multi-disciplinary medical board examined him and unanimously opined that he needs some kind of cardiac intervention.&nbsp;

Subsequently, the PML-N supremo's personal physician Adnan Khan had requested the Punjab government to provide round-the-clock expert cardiac care to Sharif at a facility where cardiology intervention and multidisciplinary backup would be available.

Entertaining the request, the Punjab Home Department accorded sanction for "shifting of high-profile National Accountability Bureau convicted prisoner Sharif from central jail to Jinnah Hospital, Lahore, for medical treatment for minimum required period.

The PML-N has been demanding to shift of Sharif to London for his treatment. The PML-N has also submitted a resolution in the Punjab Assembly demanding that Sharif should be shifted to London as he always had undergone cardiac treatment there and the doctors knew his medical history.

The medical board here, however, declared that Sharif's treatment is possible in any specialised cardiac health facility in Pakistan.

After examining all results of his tests, the medical board has reached a unanimous decision that Sharif needs some kind of cardiac intervention.&nbsp; 
For the purpose, he should be shifted to a cardiac institute, the head of the medical board at the Services Hospital, Professor Dr Mahmood Ayaz, had said.

He said Sharif had heart issues because of his previous history of some diseases, including high blood pressure, diabetes and kidney problem.

Dr Ayaz further said: &nbsp;According to the findings of the board, Sharif is facing some problems in blood supply of heart veins that must be addressed by cardiac specialists. We had engaged some cardiac specialists from the Punjab Institute of Cardiology who examined the patient and his test reports and suggested little change in Sharif's medicines.

Sharif has been behind the bars since December 24, 2018, after an accountability court convicted him in one of the three corruption cases filed under the direction of the Supreme Court.&nbsp;

On Thursday Sharif's younger brother PML-N president Shahbaz Sharif got bail from high court in two corruption cases.&nbsp;

Pakistan's jailed former prime minister Nawaz Sharif, who is serving seven-year imprisonment in a corruption case, has been shifted to a hospital in Lahore from the Kot Lakhpat jail here for cardiac treatment.

Pakistan's jailed former prime minister Nawaz Sharif, who is serving seven-year imprisonment in a corruption case, has been shifted to a hospital in Lahore from the Kot Lakhpat jail here for cardiac treatment. Sharif, 69, was brought to the Jinnah Hospital from the jail in high security. The Punjab home department has declared the private ward of Jinnah Hospital a "sub-jail" for the duration of Sharif's stay there. The ousted premier was shifted back to jail on February 7 after having a six-day treatment at Services Hospital where a multi-disciplinary medical board examined him and unanimously opined that he needs some kind of cardiac intervention. Subsequently, the PML-N supremo's personal physician Adnan Khan had requested the Punjab government to provide round-the-clock expert cardiac care to Sharif at a facility where cardiology intervention and multidisciplinary backup would be available. Entertaining the request, the Punjab Home Department accorded sanction for "shifting of high-profile National Accountability Bureau convicted prisoner Sharif from central jail to Jinnah Hospital, Lahore, for medical treatment for minimum required period. The PML-N has been demanding to shift of Sharif to London for his treatment. The PML-N has also submitted a resolution in the Punjab Assembly demanding that Sharif should be shifted to London as he always had undergone cardiac treatment there and the doctors knew his medical history. The medical board here, however, declared that Sharif's treatment is possible in any specialised cardiac health facility in Pakistan. After examining all results of his tests, the medical board has reached a unanimous decision that Sharif needs some kind of cardiac intervention. For the purpose, he should be shifted to a cardiac institute, the head of the medical board at the Services Hospital, Professor Dr Mahmood Ayaz, had said. He said Sharif had heart issues because of his previous history of some diseases, including high blood pressure, diabetes and kidney problem. Dr Ayaz further said: According to the findings of the board, Sharif is facing some problems in blood supply of heart veins that must be addressed by cardiac specialists. We had engaged some cardiac specialists from the Punjab Institute of Cardiology who examined the patient and his test reports and suggested little change in Sharif's medicines. Sharif has been behind the bars since December 24, 2018, after an accountability court convicted him in one of the three corruption cases filed under the direction of the Supreme Court. On Thursday Sharif's younger brother PML-N president Shahbaz Sharif got bail from high court in two corruption cases.

Former Pakistan PM Nawaz Sharif shifted to hospital in Lahore from jail

Pakistan's anti-graft body on Wednesday arrested Punjab government's powerful senior minister Abdul Aleem Khan for possessing assets beyond his known sources of income.

The arrest has come as a jolt for Prime Minister Imran Khan who is already facing a barrage of criticism for running the province of over 100 million people through his 'puppet' Chief Minister Usman Buzdar.

"We have arrested Punjab senior minister Abdul Aleem Khan for possessing assets beyond his known sources of income and he will be presented before an accountability court in Lahore on Thursday," National Accountability Bureau spokesperson Nawazish Ali Asim said in a statement.

The NAB has been probing Aleem Khan in multiple inquiries, including his offshore company Hexam Investment Overseas Ltd, owning assets beyond his known sources of income and his two housing societies - Park View housing society and River Age Housing Society in Lahore - for the last one year or so.

Punjab Information Minister Fayazul Hasan Chohan said the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf party will not protest over the NAB's decision to arrest the minister. "Unlike the opposition, we will not surround the NAB offices," he said.

Opposition Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) has welcomed the arrest of the minister and said that there should be across the board possibility.&nbsp;

"We want PM Khan to sack all those cabinet members who are facing NAB investigation on corruption charges," PML-N senior leader and former Sindh governor Muhammad Zubair said.

PML-N president and opposition leader in the National Assembly, Shehbaz Sharif, the younger brother of former premier Nawaz Sharif, is also in jail in NAB's custody in a corruption case.

Pakistan's anti-graft body on Wednesday arrested Punjab government's powerful senior minister Abdul Aleem Khan for possessing assets beyond his known sources of income.

Pakistan's anti-graft body on Wednesday arrested Punjab government's powerful senior minister Abdul Aleem Khan for possessing assets beyond his known sources of income. The arrest has come as a jolt for Prime Minister Imran Khan who is already facing a barrage of criticism for running the province of over 100 million people through his 'puppet' Chief Minister Usman Buzdar. "We have arrested Punjab senior minister Abdul Aleem Khan for possessing assets beyond his known sources of income and he will be presented before an accountability court in Lahore on Thursday," National Accountability Bureau spokesperson Nawazish Ali Asim said in a statement. The NAB has been probing Aleem Khan in multiple inquiries, including his offshore company Hexam Investment Overseas Ltd, owning assets beyond his known sources of income and his two housing societies - Park View housing society and River Age Housing Society in Lahore - for the last one year or so. Punjab Information Minister Fayazul Hasan Chohan said the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf party will not protest over the NAB's decision to arrest the minister. "Unlike the opposition, we will not surround the NAB offices," he said. Opposition Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) has welcomed the arrest of the minister and said that there should be across the board possibility. "We want PM Khan to sack all those cabinet members who are facing NAB investigation on corruption charges," PML-N senior leader and former Sindh governor Muhammad Zubair said. PML-N president and opposition leader in the National Assembly, Shehbaz Sharif, the younger brother of former premier Nawaz Sharif, is also in jail in NAB's custody in a corruption case.

Pakistan's anti-graft body arrests Punjab government's senior minister

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/nawaz-sharif-suffering-from-kidney-stone-195069">Nawaz Sharif has multiple health issues</a> such as high blood pressure, diabetes, kidney and cardiac problems, but his treatment can be done in Pakistan, head of a medical board that examined the ousted prime minister said Tuesday amid reports that the veteran politician wanted to go to London.&nbsp;

Sharif, 69, is serving a seven-year jail term in the Al-Azizia Steel Mills corruption case. The Islamabad High Court will hear his bail application on medical grounds on Wednesday.&nbsp;

Professor Dr Mahmood Ayaz, head of the medical board told reporters that Sharif's tests have been done and a final checkup was carried out on Tuesday.&nbsp;

"The recommendations will be sent to the home ministry, who will decide if Nawaz should be shifted from hospital," he said.

He said that as per the protocol, he cannot reveal the test results of the patients.

On Saturday, the deposed prime minister was shifted from Kot Lakhpat prison here to a hospital where he was examined by a three-member medical board.

Geo News, quoting hospital sources, said the three-time prime minister has been diagnosed with a kidney stone, but his blood test, ECG, uric acid and other reports were all clear.

A few days earlier, a team of doctors, including cardiologists, had conducted a medical examination of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz supremo at Kot Lakhpat jail.

Meanwhile, the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) government claimed on Monday that Sharif was keen to go to London for treatment.

"Nawaz Sharif is keen to go to London. His medical reports are normal but he wants to go to London," Punjab Information Minister Fayazul Hasan Chohan said.

When asked if something was going on between the Sharif family and the government, the minister said: "They (the Sharif family and PML-N) have been blackmailing the government with regard to the health of Nawaz Sharif. They want relief for the Sharif family.&nbsp;

"But after Sharif's medical reports, it has been established that his condition is not serious as he had 'just' a small stone in his kidney which can be operated upon here."

Reacting to the reports, PML-N spokesperson Marriyum Aurangzeb told Dawn newspaper that "no backdoor' efforts were underway to secure a deal for the Sharif family.

"It is mere propaganda of our political opponents. Had Mr Sharif wanted a deal he would not have come back from London to go to jail along with his daughter Maryam," she said.&nbsp;

"We want best treatment of Mian Sahib in the light of his test reports," she added.

Earlier, Awami Muslim League chief Sheikh Rashid urged Prime Minister Imran Khan to take the nation into confidence if any deal with the PML-N was in the making.&nbsp;

"I hope Prime Minister Khan will not mind as there are reports that PML-N and PPP are paying money for striking a deal with the PTI government. If it is true, please take the nation into confidence," Rashid said.&nbsp;

Sharif was tried in three corruption case launched in September, 2017. He was first convicted and sentenced for 10 years in July last year in a case related to Avenfield properties in London. He was also disqualified to hold any public office for 10 years. The Islamabad High Court granted him bail in the case in September last year.

Nawaz Sharif has multiple health issues such as high blood pressure, diabetes, kidney and cardiac problems, but his treatment can be done in Pakistan, head of a medical board that examined the ousted prime minister said Tuesday amid reports that the veteran politician wanted to go to London.

Nawaz Sharif has multiple health issues such as high blood pressure, diabetes, kidney and cardiac problems, but his treatment can be done in Pakistan, head of a medical board that examined the ousted prime minister said Tuesday amid reports that the veteran politician wanted to go to London. Sharif, 69, is serving a seven-year jail term in the Al-Azizia Steel Mills corruption case. The Islamabad High Court will hear his bail application on medical grounds on Wednesday. Professor Dr Mahmood Ayaz, head of the medical board told reporters that Sharif's tests have been done and a final checkup was carried out on Tuesday. "The recommendations will be sent to the home ministry, who will decide if Nawaz should be shifted from hospital," he said. He said that as per the protocol, he cannot reveal the test results of the patients. On Saturday, the deposed prime minister was shifted from Kot Lakhpat prison here to a hospital where he was examined by a three-member medical board. Geo News, quoting hospital sources, said the three-time prime minister has been diagnosed with a kidney stone, but his blood test, ECG, uric acid and other reports were all clear. A few days earlier, a team of doctors, including cardiologists, had conducted a medical examination of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz supremo at Kot Lakhpat jail. Meanwhile, the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) government claimed on Monday that Sharif was keen to go to London for treatment. "Nawaz Sharif is keen to go to London. His medical reports are normal but he wants to go to London," Punjab Information Minister Fayazul Hasan Chohan said. When asked if something was going on between the Sharif family and the government, the minister said: "They (the Sharif family and PML-N) have been blackmailing the government with regard to the health of Nawaz Sharif. They want relief for the Sharif family. "But after Sharif's medical reports, it has been established that his condition is not serious as he had 'just' a small stone in his kidney which can be operated upon here." Reacting to the reports, PML-N spokesperson Marriyum Aurangzeb told Dawn newspaper that "no backdoor' efforts were underway to secure a deal for the Sharif family. "It is mere propaganda of our political opponents. Had Mr Sharif wanted a deal he would not have come back from London to go to jail along with his daughter Maryam," she said. "We want best treatment of Mian Sahib in the light of his test reports," she added. Earlier, Awami Muslim League chief Sheikh Rashid urged Prime Minister Imran Khan to take the nation into confidence if any deal with the PML-N was in the making. "I hope Prime Minister Khan will not mind as there are reports that PML-N and PPP are paying money for striking a deal with the PTI government. If it is true, please take the nation into confidence," Rashid said. Sharif was tried in three corruption case launched in September, 2017. He was first convicted and sentenced for 10 years in July last year in a case related to Avenfield properties in London. He was also disqualified to hold any public office for 10 years. The Islamabad High Court granted him bail in the case in September last year.

Nawaz Sharif's treatment can be done in Pakistan, says head of medical board

Pakistan's former dictator <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-musharraf-zardaris-national-reconciliation-ordinance-case-closed-188390">Gen Pervez Musharraf</a> was responsible for no breakthrough on the Kashmir issue as he launched the Kargil operation without the civilian government's approval to "sabotage" the talks with India and topple the Nawaz Sharif government, a close aide of the then prime minister said Monday.

Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz leader and Senator Pervaiz Rashid told reporters that "Sharif and the Indian leadership were holding talks on Kashmir and the latter was ready to resolve it but Musharraf launched the Kargil operation to sabotage the talks and topple the Sharif government".

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/leaked-video-shows-musharraf-seeking-covert-us-support-to-regain-power-187143">General Musharraf</a>, 75, who lives in Dubai, is facing several cases including a treason case for suspending the Constitution in 2007. The former military ruler left for the UAE in 2016 for medical treatment and has not returned since. He was the army chief during the Kargil War in 1999.

"Gen Musharraf is responsible for the blood of Kashimiris. Musharraf was the reason behind the suffering of Kashmiris as he did not let this issue resolved," he said, terming the Kargil operation a 'misadventure'.

This is Musharraf's biggest crime even more than toppling the Sharif government in October 1999, Rashid, a close confidant of Sharif, said. Before Musharraf went for the misadventure, India's then prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee came to Lahore and went to Minar-e-Pakistan to accept the creation of Pakistan, the Senator claimed. Rashid demanded that Musharraf is brought to justice for his crimes, especially against Kashmiris.

Though Pakistan initially claimed that mujahideen were responsible for occupying strategic heights along the Line of Control in early 1999, Musharraf later revealed in his autobiography 'In The Line Of Fire' that regular army soldiers participated in the Kargil operation.

Over 500 Indian armed forces personnel laid down their lives during the 60-day long war. Kargil Vijay Diwas is observed every year on July 26, marking the successful conclusion of the war with Pakistan in the Kargil-Drass sector of Jammu and Kashmir in 1999.

Pakistan's former dictator Gen Pervez Musharraf was responsible for no breakthrough on the Kashmir issue as he launched the Kargil operation without the civilian government's approval to "sabotage" the talks with India and topple the Nawaz Sharif government, a close aide of the then prime minister said Monday.

Pakistan's former dictator Gen Pervez Musharraf was responsible for no breakthrough on the Kashmir issue as he launched the Kargil operation without the civilian government's approval to "sabotage" the talks with India and topple the Nawaz Sharif government, a close aide of the then prime minister said Monday. Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz leader and Senator Pervaiz Rashid told reporters that "Sharif and the Indian leadership were holding talks on Kashmir and the latter was ready to resolve it but Musharraf launched the Kargil operation to sabotage the talks and topple the Sharif government". General Musharraf, 75, who lives in Dubai, is facing several cases including a treason case for suspending the Constitution in 2007. The former military ruler left for the UAE in 2016 for medical treatment and has not returned since. He was the army chief during the Kargil War in 1999. "Gen Musharraf is responsible for the blood of Kashimiris. Musharraf was the reason behind the suffering of Kashmiris as he did not let this issue resolved," he said, terming the Kargil operation a 'misadventure'. This is Musharraf's biggest crime even more than toppling the Sharif government in October 1999, Rashid, a close confidant of Sharif, said. Before Musharraf went for the misadventure, India's then prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee came to Lahore and went to Minar-e-Pakistan to accept the creation of Pakistan, the Senator claimed. Rashid demanded that Musharraf is brought to justice for his crimes, especially against Kashmiris. Though Pakistan initially claimed that mujahideen were responsible for occupying strategic heights along the Line of Control in early 1999, Musharraf later revealed in his autobiography 'In The Line Of Fire' that regular army soldiers participated in the Kargil operation. Over 500 Indian armed forces personnel laid down their lives during the 60-day long war. Kargil Vijay Diwas is observed every year on July 26, marking the successful conclusion of the war with Pakistan in the Kargil-Drass sector of Jammu and Kashmir in 1999.

Pakistan's former dictator Pervez Musharraf responsible for unresolved Kashmir issue: Sharif's confidant

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/former-pak-pm-nawaz-sharif-taken-to-hospital-194646">Former prime&nbsp;minister Nawaz Shari</a>f is suffering from kidney stone ailment and a medical board will determine the procedure to be adopted on the<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-former-pm-nawaz-sharif-to-be-shifted-to-hospital-sources-194576"> jailed Pakistani leader</a>.

Dawn quoted an official at the Services hospital as saying that the CT scan and ultrasound reports of Sharif had detected a stone in his left kidney.

A medical panel would examine the test reports and prescribe appropriate medicines and further medical procedures, the official added.

On January 24, a special board had suggested the Punjab government shift the 69-year-old Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) stalwart, who has been serving seven years of a prison sentence in Kot Lakhpat jail in Lahore after indictment under graft charges, to the Services Hospital amid grounds of his deteriorating health.

Meanwhile, Punjab Information Minister Fayyazul Hassan Chohan has said that Sharif will be sent back to jail once his health improves.“He is being provided with the best facilities in every way. He has also been given his favourite dishes in jail,” the minister added.

On Saturday, the deposed prime minister was shifted from Kot Lakhpat prison to the hospital where he was examined by a three-member medical board.

On January 28, the Islamabad High Court adjourned the hearing on a bail plea of Sharif on medical grounds till February 6. The plea was filed by Sharif`s lawyer Khawaja Harris.

Sharif, in the plea, also requested that the seven years prison sentence announced on him by the accountability court in the Al-Azizia Steel Mills corruption case be suspended until a decision is announced on his appeal against the jail term. His plea has been fixed for hearing on February 18.&nbsp;

Former prime minister Nawaz Sharif is suffering from kidney stone ailment and a medical board will determine the procedure to be adopted on the jailed Pakistani leader.

Former prime minister Nawaz Sharif is suffering from kidney stone ailment and a medical board will determine the procedure to be adopted on the jailed Pakistani leader. Dawn quoted an official at the Services hospital as saying that the CT scan and ultrasound reports of Sharif had detected a stone in his left kidney. A medical panel would examine the test reports and prescribe appropriate medicines and further medical procedures, the official added. On January 24, a special board had suggested the Punjab government shift the 69-year-old Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) stalwart, who has been serving seven years of a prison sentence in Kot Lakhpat jail in Lahore after indictment under graft charges, to the Services Hospital amid grounds of his deteriorating health. Meanwhile, Punjab Information Minister Fayyazul Hassan Chohan has said that Sharif will be sent back to jail once his health improves.“He is being provided with the best facilities in every way. He has also been given his favourite dishes in jail,” the minister added. On Saturday, the deposed prime minister was shifted from Kot Lakhpat prison to the hospital where he was examined by a three-member medical board. On January 28, the Islamabad High Court adjourned the hearing on a bail plea of Sharif on medical grounds till February 6. The plea was filed by Sharif`s lawyer Khawaja Harris. Sharif, in the plea, also requested that the seven years prison sentence announced on him by the accountability court in the Al-Azizia Steel Mills corruption case be suspended until a decision is announced on his appeal against the jail term. His plea has been fixed for hearing on February 18.

Former Pakistan PM Nawaz Sharif suffering from kidney stone

Pakistan's former prime minister Nawaz Sharif, who is serving a seven-year jail term over graft charges, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-former-pm-nawaz-sharif-to-be-shifted-to-hospital-sources-194576">was taken to hospital on Saturday</a>, officials said.

Sharif was transferred from Kot Lakhpat prison in the eastern city of Lahore to a government hospital, where he was undergoing medical tests.

"Nawaz Sharif has been moved to hospital from jail," a senior government official in Lahore told AFP.

Sharif's daughter Maryam Nawaz confirmed the news on Twitter.

Sharif has been facing multiple health issues. He was transferred from jail to hospital last July over an irregular electrocardiogram reading during his first prison term, when a graft court sentenced him to ten years in a case revolving around family properties in London.

He was released in September after another court suspended his sentence pending an appeal hearing -- but was again sentenced to seven years in prison for corruption in a second case.

Sharif has denied all the charges against him and claims he is being targeted by the country's powerful security establishment.

The Supreme Court disqualified Sharif from politics for life over the allegations last year and directed an anti-corruption body to investigate three different charges regarding his family's properties and businesses.

Sharif has been prime minister three times but it has been a rough ride.

He was first expelled from office in 1993 on suspicion of corruption. He won an election in 1997, only to be ousted and exiled after a military coup in 1999.

He returned to Pakistan in 2007 and took power once more in 2013 until his ousting last year.

Shahbaz Sharif, the brother of Nawaz Sharif and opposition leader in the National Assembly, is also facing charges of corruption.

The PML-N party lost the election on July 25 to the rival Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf led by former cricket hero Imran Khan.

Pakistan's former prime minister Nawaz Sharif, who is serving a seven-year jail term over graft charges, was taken to hospital on Saturday, officials said. Sharif was transferred from Kot Lakhpat prison in the eastern city of Lahore to a government hospital, where he was undergoing medical tests.

Pakistan's former prime minister Nawaz Sharif, who is serving a seven-year jail term over graft charges, was taken to hospital on Saturday, officials said. Sharif was transferred from Kot Lakhpat prison in the eastern city of Lahore to a government hospital, where he was undergoing medical tests. "Nawaz Sharif has been moved to hospital from jail," a senior government official in Lahore told AFP. Sharif's daughter Maryam Nawaz confirmed the news on Twitter. Sharif has been facing multiple health issues. He was transferred from jail to hospital last July over an irregular electrocardiogram reading during his first prison term, when a graft court sentenced him to ten years in a case revolving around family properties in London. He was released in September after another court suspended his sentence pending an appeal hearing -- but was again sentenced to seven years in prison for corruption in a second case. Sharif has denied all the charges against him and claims he is being targeted by the country's powerful security establishment. The Supreme Court disqualified Sharif from politics for life over the allegations last year and directed an anti-corruption body to investigate three different charges regarding his family's properties and businesses. Sharif has been prime minister three times but it has been a rough ride. He was first expelled from office in 1993 on suspicion of corruption. He won an election in 1997, only to be ousted and exiled after a military coup in 1999. He returned to Pakistan in 2007 and took power once more in 2013 until his ousting last year. Shahbaz Sharif, the brother of Nawaz Sharif and opposition leader in the National Assembly, is also facing charges of corruption. The PML-N party lost the election on July 25 to the rival Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf led by former cricket hero Imran Khan.

Nawaz Sharif taken to hospital, is undergoing medical tests

Former Pakistan <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-court-to-hear-sharifs-bail-plea-on-monday-193243">prime minister Nawaz Sharif</a>, who is serving seven years prison sentence on graft charges, will be shifted to Services Hospital on Saturday amid grounds of his deteriorating health, sources have confirmed.

Geo News reported that the decision to shift Sharif from Kot Lakhpat jail in Lahore was taken by the Punjab government on Saturday.

The 69-year-old Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) stalwart underwent a medical checkup, earlier in January, after it was learned that the leader was suffering from high fever, headache and severe body pain.&nbsp;

His blood samples were sent to Jinnah Hospital, following which doctors recommended cardiac examinations.

On January 22, Sharif underwent a medical examination at the Punjab Institute of Cardiology (PIC), which later revealed his heart was "larger than normal."On January 24, a medical panel had recommended that the three-time Prime Minister be shifted to hospital for "optimal management" of his failing health, along with some changes to his medication to treat his high blood pressure and diabetes as well as further tests.

Meanwhile, PML-N spokesperson Marriyum Aurangzeb said, "Such treatment of a three-time prime minister shows the moral degradation of the federal and Punjab government."

"The decision to not handover Nawaz's medical reports to his family is alarming and raises questions," Aurangzeb said.

The spokesperson further demanded that the medical reports of the former Prime Minister should be handed over to his family immediately.

However, on January 28, the Islamabad High Court adjourned the hearing on a bail plea of Sharif on medical grounds till February 6. The plea was filed by Sharif`s lawyer Khawaja Harris on Saturday, while the National Accountability Bureau (NAB), accountability court and superintendent of Kot Lakhpat jail have been made respondents in the matter.

Sharif, in the plea, also requested that the seven years of prison sentence announced to him by the accountability court in the Al-Azizia Steel Mills corruption reference should be suspended until a decision is announced on his appeal against the jail term. His plea has been fixed for hearing on February 18.&nbsp;

Former Pakistan prime minister Nawaz Sharif, who is serving seven years prison sentence on graft charges, will be shifted to Services Hospital on Saturday amid grounds of his deteriorating health, sources have confirmed.

Former Pakistan prime minister Nawaz Sharif, who is serving seven years prison sentence on graft charges, will be shifted to Services Hospital on Saturday amid grounds of his deteriorating health, sources have confirmed. Geo News reported that the decision to shift Sharif from Kot Lakhpat jail in Lahore was taken by the Punjab government on Saturday. The 69-year-old Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) stalwart underwent a medical checkup, earlier in January, after it was learned that the leader was suffering from high fever, headache and severe body pain. His blood samples were sent to Jinnah Hospital, following which doctors recommended cardiac examinations. On January 22, Sharif underwent a medical examination at the Punjab Institute of Cardiology (PIC), which later revealed his heart was "larger than normal."On January 24, a medical panel had recommended that the three-time Prime Minister be shifted to hospital for "optimal management" of his failing health, along with some changes to his medication to treat his high blood pressure and diabetes as well as further tests. Meanwhile, PML-N spokesperson Marriyum Aurangzeb said, "Such treatment of a three-time prime minister shows the moral degradation of the federal and Punjab government." "The decision to not handover Nawaz's medical reports to his family is alarming and raises questions," Aurangzeb said. The spokesperson further demanded that the medical reports of the former Prime Minister should be handed over to his family immediately. However, on January 28, the Islamabad High Court adjourned the hearing on a bail plea of Sharif on medical grounds till February 6. The plea was filed by Sharif`s lawyer Khawaja Harris on Saturday, while the National Accountability Bureau (NAB), accountability court and superintendent of Kot Lakhpat jail have been made respondents in the matter. Sharif, in the plea, also requested that the seven years of prison sentence announced to him by the accountability court in the Al-Azizia Steel Mills corruption reference should be suspended until a decision is announced on his appeal against the jail term. His plea has been fixed for hearing on February 18.

His health deteriorating, Nawaz Sharif to be shifted to hospital: Sources

The Islamabad High Court will on Monday hear the bail plea of jailed former Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on grounds of his failing health.

The Express Tribune reported that a two-member divisional judge bench, comprising of Justice Aamer Farooq and Justice Mohsin Akhter Kiyani, will also hear a petition seeking suspension of the seven years prison sentence on Sharif pronounced by an accountability court in Lahore in December last year.

Sharif's counsel Khawaja Haris on Saturday filed a petition seeking bail for the former Prime Minister on medical grounds.

The IHC had earlier fixed February 18 to hear appeals of the former Prime Minister, who has been sentenced to seven years jail in the Al-Azizia Steel Mills corruption case. He is incarcerated in Lahore's Kot Lakhpat Jail.

A medical panel last week recommended that Sharif should be shifted to hospital for "optimal management" of his failing health, along with some changes in his medication to treat his high blood pressure and diabetes as well as further tests.

The board in a report added that Sharif has a past medical history of hypertension, Type 2 diabetes, ischemic heart disease and kidney stone disease.

The Islamabad High Court will on Monday hear the bail plea of jailed former Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on grounds of his failing health. The Express Tribune reported that a two-member divisional judge bench, comprising of Justice Aamer Farooq and Justice Mohsin Akhter Kiyani, will also hear a petition seeking suspension of the seven years prison sentence on Sharif pronounced by an accountability court in Lahore in December last year.

The Islamabad High Court will on Monday hear the bail plea of jailed former Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on grounds of his failing health. The Express Tribune reported that a two-member divisional judge bench, comprising of Justice Aamer Farooq and Justice Mohsin Akhter Kiyani, will also hear a petition seeking suspension of the seven years prison sentence on Sharif pronounced by an accountability court in Lahore in December last year. Sharif's counsel Khawaja Haris on Saturday filed a petition seeking bail for the former Prime Minister on medical grounds. The IHC had earlier fixed February 18 to hear appeals of the former Prime Minister, who has been sentenced to seven years jail in the Al-Azizia Steel Mills corruption case. He is incarcerated in Lahore's Kot Lakhpat Jail. A medical panel last week recommended that Sharif should be shifted to hospital for "optimal management" of his failing health, along with some changes in his medication to treat his high blood pressure and diabetes as well as further tests. The board in a report added that Sharif has a past medical history of hypertension, Type 2 diabetes, ischemic heart disease and kidney stone disease.

Pakistan Court to hear Sharif's bail plea on Monday

Former Pakistan prime minister Nawaz Sharif's lawyer on Saturday filed a petition in the high court for suspension of his sentence and seeking bail on medical grounds for the incarcerated PML-N leader.

Sharif has been incarcerated in the Kot Lakhpat jail in Lahore after he was sentenced to seven years in jail by an accountability court in the Al-Azizia steel mills case on December 24.

Sharif's counsel Khawaja Haris filed the petition in the Islamabad High Court (IHC), where petitions for suspension of sentence and appeal against conviction have been already filed.

The court had set a hearing for February 18 to hear the earlier petition and appeal, but Sharif's legal team wanted to persuade the court for an early hearing.

Sharif is a heart patent and his health has deteriorated as he needs urgent medical attention in a hospital, according to his daughter Maryam Nawaz.

A panel of experts appointed by the government to examine the former premier also recommended that he should be given proper medical attention.

Sharif was tried in three corruption case launched in September, 2017. He was first convicted and sentenced for 10 years in July last year in a case related to Avenfield properties in London. The IHC granted him bail in the case in September.

He was convicted in the Al-Azizia case but was acquitted in Flagship investment case in December.

The cases were launched on the orders of the Supreme Court which had ousted Sharif as premier in July, 2017.&nbsp;

Former Pakistan prime minister Nawaz Sharif's lawyer on Saturday filed a petition in the high court for suspension of his sentence and seeking bail on medical grounds for the incarcerated PML-N leader.

Former Pakistan prime minister Nawaz Sharif's lawyer on Saturday filed a petition in the high court for suspension of his sentence and seeking bail on medical grounds for the incarcerated PML-N leader. Sharif has been incarcerated in the Kot Lakhpat jail in Lahore after he was sentenced to seven years in jail by an accountability court in the Al-Azizia steel mills case on December 24. Sharif's counsel Khawaja Haris filed the petition in the Islamabad High Court (IHC), where petitions for suspension of sentence and appeal against conviction have been already filed. The court had set a hearing for February 18 to hear the earlier petition and appeal, but Sharif's legal team wanted to persuade the court for an early hearing. Sharif is a heart patent and his health has deteriorated as he needs urgent medical attention in a hospital, according to his daughter Maryam Nawaz. A panel of experts appointed by the government to examine the former premier also recommended that he should be given proper medical attention. Sharif was tried in three corruption case launched in September, 2017. He was first convicted and sentenced for 10 years in July last year in a case related to Avenfield properties in London. The IHC granted him bail in the case in September. He was convicted in the Al-Azizia case but was acquitted in Flagship investment case in December. The cases were launched on the orders of the Supreme Court which had ousted Sharif as premier in July, 2017.

Nawaz Sharif's lawyer files plea for suspension of sentence, seeks bail on health grounds 

Pakistan's Punjab government Friday constituted a "larger special medical board" to evaluate jailed former prime minister Nawaz Sharif's condition after doctors suggested that he has cardiac complications and should be shifted to hospital.

The lager special medical board comprises six doctors from different hospitals.

"On the recommendations of the medical board of the Punjab Institute of Cardiology Lahore (PIC) for evaluation of the health condition Nawaz Sharif, a larger special medical board comprising six senior doctors of different hospitals is constituted," a notification of the Punjab Government Home Department said. &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

The new medical board comprises Hamid Sharif Khan and Muhammad Talha Bin Nazir from Rawalpindi Institute of Cardiology, Shahid Hameed and Sajjad Ahmad of PIC and Brigadier Abdul Hameed Siddique and Azmat Hayat of the Armed Forces Institute of Cardiology and National Institute of Heart Diseases, Rawalpindi.

The Punjab government said the board will submit the report to the Home Department.&nbsp;

A four-member (second) special medical board of the Allama Iqbal Medical College/Jinnah Hospital Lahore examined Sharif, 69, in jail recently and recommended that for his "optimal treatment" he should be shifted to hospital.

Three-time prime minister, who is serving a seven-year imprisonment in Lahore's Kot Lakhpat jail, was rushed to a hospital Tuesday after he complained of heart related complications. He was later discharged from the hospital and taken back to jail following the medical tests.

"The government decided to form a 'larger special medical board' in view of a previous medical board's report that Nawaz Sharif is not completely well and he should be shifted to hospital from jail to get optimal treatment for his heart complications," a senior official of Punjab government told PTI on Friday.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Sharif's party, PML-N, has warned Prime Minister Imran Khan-led government that if anything happened to their leader for constantly ignoring his health issues the masses would be on roads.&nbsp;

On Tuesday, Sharif was taken to the PIC for examination. Doctors there suggested that he required "aggressive medication" and "regular medical follow-ups" to avoid cardiac complications.

Before the AIMC board, a special PIC medical board had also examined Sharif last week and said he had vague symptoms of pain in both arms, particularly at night and numbness of toes.&nbsp;

Sharif's daughter Maryam Nawaz and his cardiologist Adnan Khan have demanded the PTI government shift him to hospital for better medical care.&nbsp;

"Reports show his (Sharif) disease has progressed and is life-threatening. Official reports from PIC still awaited. Have been running pillar to post but to no avail," Maryam tweeted.&nbsp;

Pakistan's Punjab government Friday constituted a "larger special medical board" to evaluate jailed former prime minister Nawaz Sharif's condition after doctors suggested that he has cardiac complications and should be shifted to hospital.

Pakistan's Punjab government Friday constituted a "larger special medical board" to evaluate jailed former prime minister Nawaz Sharif's condition after doctors suggested that he has cardiac complications and should be shifted to hospital. The lager special medical board comprises six doctors from different hospitals. "On the recommendations of the medical board of the Punjab Institute of Cardiology Lahore (PIC) for evaluation of the health condition Nawaz Sharif, a larger special medical board comprising six senior doctors of different hospitals is constituted," a notification of the Punjab Government Home Department said. The new medical board comprises Hamid Sharif Khan and Muhammad Talha Bin Nazir from Rawalpindi Institute of Cardiology, Shahid Hameed and Sajjad Ahmad of PIC and Brigadier Abdul Hameed Siddique and Azmat Hayat of the Armed Forces Institute of Cardiology and National Institute of Heart Diseases, Rawalpindi. The Punjab government said the board will submit the report to the Home Department. A four-member (second) special medical board of the Allama Iqbal Medical College/Jinnah Hospital Lahore examined Sharif, 69, in jail recently and recommended that for his "optimal treatment" he should be shifted to hospital. Three-time prime minister, who is serving a seven-year imprisonment in Lahore's Kot Lakhpat jail, was rushed to a hospital Tuesday after he complained of heart related complications. He was later discharged from the hospital and taken back to jail following the medical tests. "The government decided to form a 'larger special medical board' in view of a previous medical board's report that Nawaz Sharif is not completely well and he should be shifted to hospital from jail to get optimal treatment for his heart complications," a senior official of Punjab government told PTI on Friday. Meanwhile, Sharif's party, PML-N, has warned Prime Minister Imran Khan-led government that if anything happened to their leader for constantly ignoring his health issues the masses would be on roads. On Tuesday, Sharif was taken to the PIC for examination. Doctors there suggested that he required "aggressive medication" and "regular medical follow-ups" to avoid cardiac complications. Before the AIMC board, a special PIC medical board had also examined Sharif last week and said he had vague symptoms of pain in both arms, particularly at night and numbness of toes. Sharif's daughter Maryam Nawaz and his cardiologist Adnan Khan have demanded the PTI government shift him to hospital for better medical care. "Reports show his (Sharif) disease has progressed and is life-threatening. Official reports from PIC still awaited. Have been running pillar to post but to no avail," Maryam tweeted.

Pakistan: Larger special medical board constituted to assess Nawaz Sharif's helath

Pakistan's jailed former prime minister Nawaz Sharif requires "aggressive medication" to avoid cardiac complications, a media report said on Wednesday citing his medical reports.

Sharif, who is serving seven-year imprisonment in a Lahore jail, was rushed to a hospital on Tuesday after he complained of heart related complications.

Sharif, 69, was taken to the Punjab Institute of Cardiology (PIC) Lahore from Kot Lakhpat Jail in high security.

He was discharged from hospital and taken back to jail following medical tests.&nbsp;

"According to Mr Sharif's medical tests (conducted on Tuesday), his condition is not serious. But, he needs aggressive medication and regular medical follow-ups to avoid cardiac complications, a senior doctor told Dawn.&nbsp;

He said Sharif's angiography might be conducted.

Sharif's stress thalium test -- a nuclear imaging test that shows how well blood flows into one's heart -- suggests "post stress LV pump/contraction 56 per cent which is almost normal", the report said.

The report says that the left ventricle, the main pumping chamber of the heart, is damaged on the lower left wall, it said.&nbsp;

Expressing concern about Sharif's health, his daughter Maryam tweeted: "My only source of information on what is happening to my father is the media only."

Sharif's brother Shahbaz Sharif asked the government to provide best healthcare facilities to the three-time prime minister.&nbsp;

A special medical board that examined Sharif in jail last week observed "he is not completely well" as more investigations (tests) are required before suggesting treatment for him.

According to the report of the special medical board, "Patient Muhammad Nawaz Sharif, 69, examined by the special medical board is a known case of diabetes Mellitus and hypertension for the last 10 years. He is also known case of Ischemic heart disease since 2001."&nbsp;

Sharif underwent Coronary Angioplasty (PCI) twice in 2001 and 2017. He also had open heart surgery twice in 2011 and 2016 (no medical record/documents are available for these above said procedures at the time of examination), it says.

The board says after evaluating these test reports and availability of previous cardiac medical record further management plan will proceed.

Sharif was shifted to the Kot Lakhpat jail on December 25, a day after he was sentenced by the accountability court in Islamabad to seven years' imprisonment in the Al-Azizia Steel Mills case.

A disqualification of 10 years from holding any public office is part of the sentences awarded to the three times prime minister of the country.

Pakistan's jailed former prime minister Nawaz Sharif requires "aggressive medication" to avoid cardiac complications, a media report said on Wednesday citing his medical reports.

Pakistan's jailed former prime minister Nawaz Sharif requires "aggressive medication" to avoid cardiac complications, a media report said on Wednesday citing his medical reports. Sharif, who is serving seven-year imprisonment in a Lahore jail, was rushed to a hospital on Tuesday after he complained of heart related complications. Sharif, 69, was taken to the Punjab Institute of Cardiology (PIC) Lahore from Kot Lakhpat Jail in high security. He was discharged from hospital and taken back to jail following medical tests. "According to Mr Sharif's medical tests (conducted on Tuesday), his condition is not serious. But, he needs aggressive medication and regular medical follow-ups to avoid cardiac complications, a senior doctor told Dawn. He said Sharif's angiography might be conducted. Sharif's stress thalium test -- a nuclear imaging test that shows how well blood flows into one's heart -- suggests "post stress LV pump/contraction 56 per cent which is almost normal", the report said. The report says that the left ventricle, the main pumping chamber of the heart, is damaged on the lower left wall, it said. Expressing concern about Sharif's health, his daughter Maryam tweeted: "My only source of information on what is happening to my father is the media only." Sharif's brother Shahbaz Sharif asked the government to provide best healthcare facilities to the three-time prime minister. A special medical board that examined Sharif in jail last week observed "he is not completely well" as more investigations (tests) are required before suggesting treatment for him. According to the report of the special medical board, "Patient Muhammad Nawaz Sharif, 69, examined by the special medical board is a known case of diabetes Mellitus and hypertension for the last 10 years. He is also known case of Ischemic heart disease since 2001." Sharif underwent Coronary Angioplasty (PCI) twice in 2001 and 2017. He also had open heart surgery twice in 2011 and 2016 (no medical record/documents are available for these above said procedures at the time of examination), it says. The board says after evaluating these test reports and availability of previous cardiac medical record further management plan will proceed. Sharif was shifted to the Kot Lakhpat jail on December 25, a day after he was sentenced by the accountability court in Islamabad to seven years' imprisonment in the Al-Azizia Steel Mills case. A disqualification of 10 years from holding any public office is part of the sentences awarded to the three times prime minister of the country.

Pakistan: Nawaz Sharif needs 'aggressive medication', says report

Pakistan's former prime minister Nawaz Sharif, who is serving seven-year imprisonment in a Lahore jail, was rushed to a hospital on Tuesday after he complained of heart-related complications.

Sharif, 69, was taken to the Punjab Institute of Cardiology (PIC) Lahore from Kot Lakhpat Jail in high security.

Wearing off-white shalwar qameez and blue waistcoat, Sharif chose not to respond the media queries on his arrival at the hospital.

Doctors conducted his various tests including TROP-I, Echocardiography and Stress Thallium Scan.

"My father is not well. I wanted to go to the PIC but my father stopped me to come because of security issues," Sharif's daughter Maryam Nawaz said.

"The authorities concerned have not yet provided with us the reports of the special medical board that earlier had examined Mian Sahib. After pleading with the jail authorities, we have also written to the Punjab Home department for the reports but to no avail," she said.

A special medical board that examined Sharif in jail last week observed "he is not completely well" as more investigations (tests) are required before suggesting treatment for him.

According to the report of the special medical board, "Patient Muhammad Nawaz Sharif, 69, examined by the special medical board is a known case of Diabetes Mellitus and hypertension for the last 10 years. He is also known case of Ischemic heart disease since 2001."

It says "vague symptoms of pain in Sharif's both arms particularly at night and numbness of toes. He can walk 45 minutes without any significant symptoms.

He denied of any symptoms of dizziness, pre-syncope or syncope. His haemodynamics were also within normal limits. He is on dual antiplatelets, beta blocker, amlodipine, ARB'S and stains with anti-diabetic treatment."

Sharif underwent Coronary Angioplasty (PCI) twice in 2001 and 2017. He also had open heart surgery twice in 2011 and 2016 (no medical record/documents are available for these above-said procedures at the time of examination), it says.

The board says after evaluating these test reports and the availability of previous cardiac medical record further management plan will proceed.

Sharif was shifted to the Kot Lakhpat jail on December 25, a day after he was sentenced by the accountability court in Islamabad to seven years' imprisonment in the Al-Azizia Steel Mills case.

A disqualification of 10 years from holding any public office is part of the sentences awarded to the three times prime minister of the country.&nbsp;

Pakistan's former prime minister Nawaz Sharif, who is serving seven-year imprisonment in a Lahore jail, was rushed to a hospital on Tuesday after he complained of heart-related complications.

Pakistan's former prime minister Nawaz Sharif, who is serving seven-year imprisonment in a Lahore jail, was rushed to a hospital on Tuesday after he complained of heart-related complications. Sharif, 69, was taken to the Punjab Institute of Cardiology (PIC) Lahore from Kot Lakhpat Jail in high security. Wearing off-white shalwar qameez and blue waistcoat, Sharif chose not to respond the media queries on his arrival at the hospital. Doctors conducted his various tests including TROP-I, Echocardiography and Stress Thallium Scan. "My father is not well. I wanted to go to the PIC but my father stopped me to come because of security issues," Sharif's daughter Maryam Nawaz said. "The authorities concerned have not yet provided with us the reports of the special medical board that earlier had examined Mian Sahib. After pleading with the jail authorities, we have also written to the Punjab Home department for the reports but to no avail," she said. A special medical board that examined Sharif in jail last week observed "he is not completely well" as more investigations (tests) are required before suggesting treatment for him. According to the report of the special medical board, "Patient Muhammad Nawaz Sharif, 69, examined by the special medical board is a known case of Diabetes Mellitus and hypertension for the last 10 years. He is also known case of Ischemic heart disease since 2001." It says "vague symptoms of pain in Sharif's both arms particularly at night and numbness of toes. He can walk 45 minutes without any significant symptoms. He denied of any symptoms of dizziness, pre-syncope or syncope. His haemodynamics were also within normal limits. He is on dual antiplatelets, beta blocker, amlodipine, ARB'S and stains with anti-diabetic treatment." Sharif underwent Coronary Angioplasty (PCI) twice in 2001 and 2017. He also had open heart surgery twice in 2011 and 2016 (no medical record/documents are available for these above-said procedures at the time of examination), it says. The board says after evaluating these test reports and the availability of previous cardiac medical record further management plan will proceed. Sharif was shifted to the Kot Lakhpat jail on December 25, a day after he was sentenced by the accountability court in Islamabad to seven years' imprisonment in the Al-Azizia Steel Mills case. A disqualification of 10 years from holding any public office is part of the sentences awarded to the three times prime minister of the country.

Pakistan: Nawaz Sharif shifted to hospital from jail for heart related complication

A special medical board that examined Pakistan's former <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-sc-dismisses-appeal-against-suspension-of-sharifs-sentences-in-graft-case-190305">prime minister Nawaz Sharif</a> in Kot Lakhpat jail in Lahore has said that "he is not completely well" and more tests are required before suggesting treatment for him.

The medical board comprising Shahid Hameed, Sajjad Ahmed and Hamid Khalil of the Punjab Institute of Cardiology, Lahore, had thoroughly examined Sharif and had his necessary tests done on Wednesday at the jail, where he is serving a seven years jail sentence in a corruption case.&nbsp;

Sharif, 69, has been serving a seven-year jail term in Lahore's Kot Lakhpat jail in the Al-Azizia Steel Mills graft case.

A medical report released on Friday said that Sharif had "vague symptoms" of pain in both of his arms.&nbsp;

"Vague symptoms of pain in Sharif's both arms particularly at night and numbness of toes. He is on dual antiplatelets, beta blocker, amlodipine, ARB'S and stains with anti-diabetic treatment," the medical report said.

Earlier, the ex-premier's <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sharifs-health-deteriorates-daughter-claims-jail-authorities-not-letting-cardiologists-examine-him-189756">daughter Maryam Nawaz had claimed that Sharif's health has deteriorated</a> and alleged that authorities were not letting his cardiologists examine him in the jail.

A jail spokesman, however, said jail doctors examined Sharif thoroughly and his health is fine. "Nawaz Sharif is in good health," he said.

Sharif underwent Coronary Angioplasty twice in 2001 and 2017 and also had open heart surgery twice in 2011 and 2016, the special medical board said in its report.&nbsp;

The board examined the patient with fresh ECG and limited available laboratory investigations.

The special board has recommended more investigations (tests) of him that include TROP-I, Echocardiography and Stress Thallium Scan (if TROP-I test is Negative).

"After evaluating these test reports and availability of previous cardiac medical record further management plan will be proceeded," the board said.&nbsp;

Sharif has also been refused a prisoner who could serve as his orderly, media reported.

An anti-corruption court in Pakistan on December 24 sentenced the ousted premier to seven years in jail in the Al-Azizia Steel Mills graft case but acquitted him in the Flagship Investments case, concluding a series of three court cases against the Sharif family in the high-profile Panama Papers case.

The Al-Azizia Steel Mill case was about setting up steel mills in Saudi Arabia allegedly with corruption money.

Three cases - Avenfield properties case, Flagship investment case and Al-Azizia steel mills case - were launched against the Sharif family by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) on September 8, 2017, following a judgment by the Supreme Court that disqualified Sharif in the Panama Papers case in July last year.

The medical board had thoroughly examined Sharif and had his necessary tests done on Wednesday at the jail, where he is serving a seven years jail sentence in a corruption case.

A special medical board that examined Pakistan's former prime minister Nawaz Sharif in Kot Lakhpat jail in Lahore has said that "he is not completely well" and more tests are required before suggesting treatment for him. The medical board comprising Shahid Hameed, Sajjad Ahmed and Hamid Khalil of the Punjab Institute of Cardiology, Lahore, had thoroughly examined Sharif and had his necessary tests done on Wednesday at the jail, where he is serving a seven years jail sentence in a corruption case. Sharif, 69, has been serving a seven-year jail term in Lahore's Kot Lakhpat jail in the Al-Azizia Steel Mills graft case. A medical report released on Friday said that Sharif had "vague symptoms" of pain in both of his arms. "Vague symptoms of pain in Sharif's both arms particularly at night and numbness of toes. He is on dual antiplatelets, beta blocker, amlodipine, ARB'S and stains with anti-diabetic treatment," the medical report said. Earlier, the ex-premier's daughter Maryam Nawaz had claimed that Sharif's health has deteriorated and alleged that authorities were not letting his cardiologists examine him in the jail. A jail spokesman, however, said jail doctors examined Sharif thoroughly and his health is fine. "Nawaz Sharif is in good health," he said. Sharif underwent Coronary Angioplasty twice in 2001 and 2017 and also had open heart surgery twice in 2011 and 2016, the special medical board said in its report. The board examined the patient with fresh ECG and limited available laboratory investigations. The special board has recommended more investigations (tests) of him that include TROP-I, Echocardiography and Stress Thallium Scan (if TROP-I test is Negative). "After evaluating these test reports and availability of previous cardiac medical record further management plan will be proceeded," the board said. Sharif has also been refused a prisoner who could serve as his orderly, media reported. An anti-corruption court in Pakistan on December 24 sentenced the ousted premier to seven years in jail in the Al-Azizia Steel Mills graft case but acquitted him in the Flagship Investments case, concluding a series of three court cases against the Sharif family in the high-profile Panama Papers case. The Al-Azizia Steel Mill case was about setting up steel mills in Saudi Arabia allegedly with corruption money. Three cases - Avenfield properties case, Flagship investment case and Al-Azizia steel mills case - were launched against the Sharif family by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) on September 8, 2017, following a judgment by the Supreme Court that disqualified Sharif in the Panama Papers case in July last year.

Nawaz Sharif not completely well, says special medical board

<a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/russian-firm-offers-to-invest-2-billion-in-pakistans-water-power-sectors-190952&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwjF96yh5_TfAhXEad4KHUxWAWAQFggFMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw0zj-fSfWREL6KoIZ895YHe">Pakistan</a> swears in a new chief justice on Friday, opening the next chapter for the Supreme Court which has made a name for an expansive agenda that has ranged from ousting a prime minister to pressing authorities to improve the public water supply.

Outgoing Chief Justice Saqib Nisar cultivated a high profile, launching multiple inquiries aimed at reforming public institutions and going after political leaders, attracting both praises for cracking down on abuse and criticism that he was exceeding the court's role.

His successor, Supreme Court judge Asif Saeed Khosa, has a taste for literary quotation but is otherwise considered a more classical judge, preferring to stay out of the limelight.

"I think Justice Khosa's tenure will be substantially different," said Saroop Ijaz, a lawyer for Human Rights Watch, who has been critical of Nisar's activist court.

In one of its best-known judgments, the<a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.wionews.com/india-news/president-ram-nath-kovind-appoints-justice-dinesh-maheshwari-as-supreme-court-judge-190792&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwju7LSc6PTfAhVMdXAKHSq-CqcQFggFMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw2HMT7jCbtV4btM1ZbFcPHu"> Supreme Court</a> removed three-time prime minister Nawaz Sharif from office in July 2017 and ordered a corruption probe into his assets that led to Sharif being given a seven-year jail term in December.

The court enraged hardline Islamists last year by overturning the conviction of Asia Bibi, a Christian woman condemned to death for blasphemy against Islam.

But it has also used so-called "suo motu" provisions in Pakistani law that allow the court to open cases on its own initiative to set its stamp on wide swaths of public life and denounce the failure of public institutions.

It has ordered inquiries into issues ranging from payments to farmers by powerful sugar mills to milk prices, city water supplies and corruption allegations against managers of the railways and national airline PIA.

However, the outgoing chief justice's activism did little to drain the backlog of more than 40,000 cases at the Supreme Court and a staggering 1.9 million combined cases pending in other courts.

"It's a highly problematic period at multiple levels," said legal scholar Osama Siddique, an Associate Fellow at the Institute for Development and Economic Alternatives in Lahore.

"Justice Saqib Nisar's entire emphasis was on other institutions and how they should improve their governance but he did not do anything to improve the governance and internal administration of the judiciary."

CAUTIONARY TALE

Nisar's high media profile has drawn parallels with Iftikhar Chaudhry, a chief justice who initially won plaudits for helping oust military dictator Pervez Musharraf in 2008, but was later criticised for overstepping his constitutional remit.

"Saqib Nisar's tenure was in many ways a cautionary tale in unfettered judicial overreach," said Ijaz. "It was unprecedented in the extent of its activism and disregard of formal legal procedures."

Nisar himself has said his suo motu cases and frequent public appearances to inspect development projects and facilities such as schools and hospitals were aimed at protecting the poor.

Allies of Sharif say his assertiveness served the interests of Pakistan's powerful military and hinted at a return to the past when they say judges cut politicians down to size at the behest of the generals.

The military, which has ruled Pakistan for nearly half its history since independence in 1947, denies involvement in domestic politics.

But Sharif's removal and the defeat of his PML-N party in elections last year led to the appointment as prime minister of Imran Khan, a cricketer-turned-politician seen by analysts and opposition politicians as close to the military.

The new Chief Justice, who will hold office for 11 months, has a tough task to reform Pakistan's sluggish judiciary.

Khosa wrote the judgment that ousted Sharif, opening with an epigraph he took from "The Godfather", Mario Puzo's bestselling novel on the mafia: "Behind every great fortune there is a crime."

But literary flourishes apart, Ijaz said his record suggested he would adopt a much lower profile than his interventionist predecessor.

"Khosa has in the past written strongly worded judgments (and) has never shown a desire for publicity... The hope is that he will continue on that theme and work towards reform, starting with the judiciary itself."

Pakistan swears in a new chief justice on Friday, opening the next chapter for the Supreme Court which has made a name for an expansive agenda that has ranged from ousting a prime minister to pressing authorities to improve the public water supply.

Pakistan swears in a new chief justice on Friday, opening the next chapter for the Supreme Court which has made a name for an expansive agenda that has ranged from ousting a prime minister to pressing authorities to improve the public water supply. Outgoing Chief Justice Saqib Nisar cultivated a high profile, launching multiple inquiries aimed at reforming public institutions and going after political leaders, attracting both praises for cracking down on abuse and criticism that he was exceeding the court's role. His successor, Supreme Court judge Asif Saeed Khosa, has a taste for literary quotation but is otherwise considered a more classical judge, preferring to stay out of the limelight. "I think Justice Khosa's tenure will be substantially different," said Saroop Ijaz, a lawyer for Human Rights Watch, who has been critical of Nisar's activist court. In one of its best-known judgments, the Supreme Court removed three-time prime minister Nawaz Sharif from office in July 2017 and ordered a corruption probe into his assets that led to Sharif being given a seven-year jail term in December. The court enraged hardline Islamists last year by overturning the conviction of Asia Bibi, a Christian woman condemned to death for blasphemy against Islam. But it has also used so-called "suo motu" provisions in Pakistani law that allow the court to open cases on its own initiative to set its stamp on wide swaths of public life and denounce the failure of public institutions. It has ordered inquiries into issues ranging from payments to farmers by powerful sugar mills to milk prices, city water supplies and corruption allegations against managers of the railways and national airline PIA. However, the outgoing chief justice's activism did little to drain the backlog of more than 40,000 cases at the Supreme Court and a staggering 1.9 million combined cases pending in other courts. "It's a highly problematic period at multiple levels," said legal scholar Osama Siddique, an Associate Fellow at the Institute for Development and Economic Alternatives in Lahore. "Justice Saqib Nisar's entire emphasis was on other institutions and how they should improve their governance but he did not do anything to improve the governance and internal administration of the judiciary." CAUTIONARY TALE Nisar's high media profile has drawn parallels with Iftikhar Chaudhry, a chief justice who initially won plaudits for helping oust military dictator Pervez Musharraf in 2008, but was later criticised for overstepping his constitutional remit. "Saqib Nisar's tenure was in many ways a cautionary tale in unfettered judicial overreach," said Ijaz. "It was unprecedented in the extent of its activism and disregard of formal legal procedures." Nisar himself has said his suo motu cases and frequent public appearances to inspect development projects and facilities such as schools and hospitals were aimed at protecting the poor. Allies of Sharif say his assertiveness served the interests of Pakistan's powerful military and hinted at a return to the past when they say judges cut politicians down to size at the behest of the generals. The military, which has ruled Pakistan for nearly half its history since independence in 1947, denies involvement in domestic politics. But Sharif's removal and the defeat of his PML-N party in elections last year led to the appointment as prime minister of Imran Khan, a cricketer-turned-politician seen by analysts and opposition politicians as close to the military. The new Chief Justice, who will hold office for 11 months, has a tough task to reform Pakistan's sluggish judiciary. Khosa wrote the judgment that ousted Sharif, opening with an epigraph he took from "The Godfather", Mario Puzo's bestselling novel on the mafia: "Behind every great fortune there is a crime." But literary flourishes apart, Ijaz said his record suggested he would adopt a much lower profile than his interventionist predecessor. "Khosa has in the past written strongly worded judgments (and) has never shown a desire for publicity... The hope is that he will continue on that theme and work towards reform, starting with the judiciary itself."

Pakistan new chief justice Saeed Khosa opens new era for powerful court

In a relief to jailed former Pakistan prime minister Nawaz Sharif, the Supreme Court on Monday dismissed the anti-graft body's appeal against the suspension of his jail sentence and that of his family in one of three corruption cases faced by the embattled leader.

In July 2018, an accountability court here handed Sharif 10 years as jail time for owning assets beyond known income and 1 year for not cooperating with the National Accountability Bureau (NAB).

A five-member bench led by Chief Justice Saqib Nisar upheld the Islamabad High Court's verdict that ordered suspension of prison sentences awarded to Sharif, his daughter Maryam Nawaz and son-in-law Captain (retd) Mohammad Safdar in the Avenfield corruption case related to their purchase of four luxury flats in London through corrupt practices.

The apex court, in its ruling, said that the NAB has failed to provide the "ground for cancellation of bail" and that the IHC had not exceeded its authority in granting bail to the convicts of the Avenfield case.

The 69-year-old three-time former prime minister and his family have denied any wrongdoing.&nbsp;

Sharif is currently in jail after an anti-corruption court sentenced him on December 24 to seven years in jail in the Al-Azizia Steel Mills graft case while acquitting him in the Flagship Investments corruption case in the Panama Papers scandal.

The Supreme Court's decision brings a rare relief for the Sharif family, both of whose leaders&nbsp;Nawaz Sharif and Shahbaz Sharif&nbsp;are currently incarcerated, Dawn newspaper commented.

The NAB, Pakistan's anti-corruption body, approached the apex court after the Islamabad High Court, on September 19, suspended prison sentences of the Sharifs awarded by an accountability court.&nbsp;

The accountability court convicted Maryam and Safdar in the Avenfield properties case and sentenced them to eight years and one year, respectively, in prison.

Upholding the lower court's decision, the Supreme Court bench threw out the NAB's request to revoke the Sharifs' bails, observing that the anti-corruption watchdog had failed to provide the "grounds for cancellation of bail".&nbsp;

The IHC did not exceed its authority in granting bail to the convicts of the Avenfield case, Geo TV quoted the bench as observing.&nbsp;

Justice Asif Saeed Khosa, who will be sworn in as the country's next chief justice later this month, stated that the IHC decision was temporary and the apex court would not interfere with the decision.&nbsp;

"The person [Nawaz Sharif] is in prison and there is no allegation about the misuse of bail. We have a Constitution to follow and we will make sure justice prevails. There will be a fair trial in every case," Justice Khosa remarked.

Responding to the apex court verdict, Maryam Nawaz, daughter of Sharif, said she was thankful to Allah Almighty.&nbsp;

She, however, said that true relief and happiness would be when her father came back home from jail.

The former premier has been a serving seven-year imprisonment at Kot Lakhpat prison after being declared guilty of corruption in Al-Azizia case.

Sharif has already filed an appeal in the Islamabad High Court against the sentence.

"I am thankful to Allah Almighty for today's decision. The fact is that not for a moment was I concerned about myself. Insha'Allah true relief &amp; happiness would be when my father comes back home. I have faith in Allah and His infinite Mercy. Thank you all for your prayers &amp; support," Maryam tweeted.

Reacting to the top court's decision, Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry took to Twitter and hailed the decision saying Sharif is still is in prison and hence the decision will not have any effect on the present state of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader.

Three cases of corruption&nbsp;the Avenfield properties case, Flagship Investment case and Al-Azizia steel mills case - were launched by the NAB on September 8, 2017, following a judgment by the apex court that disqualified Sharif.

The apex court initially set a six-month deadline to conclude the cases but it subsequently increased around eight times on the request of the accountability court.

Sharif was disqualified by the Supreme Court in the Panama Papers case in July, 2017.

In a relief to jailed former Pakistan prime minister Nawaz Sharif, the Supreme Court on Monday dismissed the anti-graft body's appeal against the suspension of his jail sentence and that of his family in one of three corruption cases faced by the embattled leader.

In a relief to jailed former Pakistan prime minister Nawaz Sharif, the Supreme Court on Monday dismissed the anti-graft body's appeal against the suspension of his jail sentence and that of his family in one of three corruption cases faced by the embattled leader. In July 2018, an accountability court here handed Sharif 10 years as jail time for owning assets beyond known income and 1 year for not cooperating with the National Accountability Bureau (NAB). A five-member bench led by Chief Justice Saqib Nisar upheld the Islamabad High Court's verdict that ordered suspension of prison sentences awarded to Sharif, his daughter Maryam Nawaz and son-in-law Captain (retd) Mohammad Safdar in the Avenfield corruption case related to their purchase of four luxury flats in London through corrupt practices. The apex court, in its ruling, said that the NAB has failed to provide the "ground for cancellation of bail" and that the IHC had not exceeded its authority in granting bail to the convicts of the Avenfield case. The 69-year-old three-time former prime minister and his family have denied any wrongdoing. Sharif is currently in jail after an anti-corruption court sentenced him on December 24 to seven years in jail in the Al-Azizia Steel Mills graft case while acquitting him in the Flagship Investments corruption case in the Panama Papers scandal. The Supreme Court's decision brings a rare relief for the Sharif family, both of whose leaders Nawaz Sharif and Shahbaz Sharif are currently incarcerated, Dawn newspaper commented. The NAB, Pakistan's anti-corruption body, approached the apex court after the Islamabad High Court, on September 19, suspended prison sentences of the Sharifs awarded by an accountability court. The accountability court convicted Maryam and Safdar in the Avenfield properties case and sentenced them to eight years and one year, respectively, in prison. Upholding the lower court's decision, the Supreme Court bench threw out the NAB's request to revoke the Sharifs' bails, observing that the anti-corruption watchdog had failed to provide the "grounds for cancellation of bail". The IHC did not exceed its authority in granting bail to the convicts of the Avenfield case, Geo TV quoted the bench as observing. Justice Asif Saeed Khosa, who will be sworn in as the country's next chief justice later this month, stated that the IHC decision was temporary and the apex court would not interfere with the decision. "The person [Nawaz Sharif] is in prison and there is no allegation about the misuse of bail. We have a Constitution to follow and we will make sure justice prevails. There will be a fair trial in every case," Justice Khosa remarked. Responding to the apex court verdict, Maryam Nawaz, daughter of Sharif, said she was thankful to Allah Almighty. She, however, said that true relief and happiness would be when her father came back home from jail. The former premier has been a serving seven-year imprisonment at Kot Lakhpat prison after being declared guilty of corruption in Al-Azizia case. Sharif has already filed an appeal in the Islamabad High Court against the sentence. "I am thankful to Allah Almighty for today's decision. The fact is that not for a moment was I concerned about myself. Insha'Allah true relief & happiness would be when my father comes back home. I have faith in Allah and His infinite Mercy. Thank you all for your prayers & support," Maryam tweeted. Reacting to the top court's decision, Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry took to Twitter and hailed the decision saying Sharif is still is in prison and hence the decision will not have any effect on the present state of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader. Three cases of corruption the Avenfield properties case, Flagship Investment case and Al-Azizia steel mills case - were launched by the NAB on September 8, 2017, following a judgment by the apex court that disqualified Sharif. The apex court initially set a six-month deadline to conclude the cases but it subsequently increased around eight times on the request of the accountability court. Sharif was disqualified by the Supreme Court in the Panama Papers case in July, 2017.

Pakistan SC dismisses appeal against suspension of Sharifs' sentences in graft case

Pakistan's jailed <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/nawaz-sharif-denied-assistant-told-to-maintain-jail-room-himself-188102">former premier Nawaz Sharif's health condition</a> has deteriorated, his daughter claimed on Friday and alleged that authorities are not letting his cardiologists examine him in the jail here.

Maryam Nawaz on Friday said that Sharif, who has been serving a seven-year jail term in Lahore's Kot Lakhpat jail in <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/ousted-pakistan-pm-nawaz-sharif-challenges-his-conviction-in-graft-case-187760">the Al-Azizia Steel Mills graft case</a>, is suffering from a pain in his arm, "which is most likely to be angina".&nbsp;

A jail spokesman, however, said jail doctors examined Sharif thoroughly and his health is fine. "Nawaz Sharif is in good health," he said.

Taking to Twitter, Maryam complained that Sharif's cardiologists "have been trying to get access to him all day but (the) permission (has) not (been) granted".

"He needs to be examined by the doctors who are privy to his complicated medical history," Maryam said.&nbsp;

Sharif, 69, had undergone an open-heart surgery about three years ago in London.&nbsp;

Maryam, who had visited her father in the jail on Thursday, said his father had a "complicate medical history" and he needed special health care.

PML-N president Shahbaz Sharif warned that if anything happened to his elder brother, Prime Minister Imran Khan and the Punjab government will be responsible.&nbsp;

He demanded the jail authorities to immediately allow Sharif's cardiologist to examine him and provide him with the best health facilities.&nbsp;

An anti-corruption court in Pakistan on December 24 sentenced the ousted premier to seven years in jail in the Al-Azizia Steel Mills graft case, concluding a series of three court cases against the Sharif family in the high-profile Panama Papers case.

The Al-Azizia Steel Mill case was about setting up steel mills in Saudi Arabia allegedly with corruption money.&nbsp;

A jail spokesman, however, said jail doctors examined Sharif thoroughly and his health is fine. 'Nawaz Sharif is in good health,' he said.

Pakistan's jailed former premier Nawaz Sharif's health condition has deteriorated, his daughter claimed on Friday and alleged that authorities are not letting his cardiologists examine him in the jail here. Maryam Nawaz on Friday said that Sharif, who has been serving a seven-year jail term in Lahore's Kot Lakhpat jail in the Al-Azizia Steel Mills graft case, is suffering from a pain in his arm, "which is most likely to be angina". A jail spokesman, however, said jail doctors examined Sharif thoroughly and his health is fine. "Nawaz Sharif is in good health," he said. Taking to Twitter, Maryam complained that Sharif's cardiologists "have been trying to get access to him all day but (the) permission (has) not (been) granted". "He needs to be examined by the doctors who are privy to his complicated medical history," Maryam said. Sharif, 69, had undergone an open-heart surgery about three years ago in London. Maryam, who had visited her father in the jail on Thursday, said his father had a "complicate medical history" and he needed special health care. PML-N president Shahbaz Sharif warned that if anything happened to his elder brother, Prime Minister Imran Khan and the Punjab government will be responsible. He demanded the jail authorities to immediately allow Sharif's cardiologist to examine him and provide him with the best health facilities. An anti-corruption court in Pakistan on December 24 sentenced the ousted premier to seven years in jail in the Al-Azizia Steel Mills graft case, concluding a series of three court cases against the Sharif family in the high-profile Panama Papers case. The Al-Azizia Steel Mill case was about setting up steel mills in Saudi Arabia allegedly with corruption money.

Former Pak PM Sharif's health deteriorates; daughter claims jail authorities not letting cardiologists examine him

Pakistan's incarcerated former prime minister Nawaz Sharif will have to maintain his jail room on his own as the Punjab provincial government refused to provide him with a prisoner who could serve as his orderly, according to a media report.

Sharif, 69, has been serving a seven-year jail term in Lahore's Kot Lakhpat jail in the Al-Azizia Steel Mills graft case and being a former prime minister he is entitled to better facilities including an orderly who is from prisoners.

Punjab's Inspector General of Prisons Shahid Saleem Beg said on Wednesday that Punjab government decided that it could not provide a prisoner to Sharif who could serve as his orderly and that he would have to maintain his room on his own, the Dawn reported.

The prisons chief said Nawaz Sharif has been asked to maintain his room" to serve out the seven-year "rigorous" imprisonment handed down to him in the Al-Azizia Steel Mills/Hill Metal Establishment reference.

Speaking to the media in the presence of Punjab Governor Chaudhry Sarwar at the Governor House, the prisons chief said Sharif's case was highly sensitive and he could not be allowed to go outside his barracks in the prison.

He said Sharif's "rigour had been kept within his barracks".

According to the jail manual, he said, the former premier had been asked to maintain his room himself.

However, he later clarified to the daily that Sharif had not been put to any rigour, adding that the manual allowed elderly inmates certain concessions on that count.

"Any issue related to Nawaz Sharif in jail could bring a bad name to Pakistan," Beg said.

Meanwhile, Maryam Sharif, the daughter of the ex-premier, on Thursday said her father was in high spirits in the jail.

"Just came out of Kotlakhpat jail. MNS was fine and Alhamdolillah in high spirits," Maryam said in a Twitter post.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Just came out of Kotlakhpat jail. MNS was fine and Alhamdolillah in high spirits. Thank you everyone for your prayers, unflinching support &amp; good wishes. God bless you all.
— Maryam Nawaz Sharif (@MaryamNSharif) <a href="https://twitter.com/MaryamNSharif/status/1080756323082534912?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 3, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"Thank you, everyone, for your prayers, unflinching support &amp; good wishes. God bless you all," she added.

Sharif on Thursday filed a plea before the Islamabad High Court to grant him bail and suspend his seven-year jail sentence in the Al-Azizia corruption case till the high court decides on his appeal against the verdict.

An anti-corruption court in Pakistan on December 24 sentenced the ousted premier to seven years in jail in the Al-Azizia Steel Mills graft case but acquitted him in the Flagship Investments case, concluding a series of three court cases against the Sharif family in the high-profile Panama Papers case.

The Al-Azizia Steel Mill case was about setting up steel mills in Saudi Arabia allegedly with corruption money.

Three cases - Avenfield properties case, Flagship investment case and Al-Azizia steel mills case - were launched against the Sharif family by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) on September 8, 2017, following a judgment by the Supreme Court that disqualified Sharif in the Panama Papers case in July last year.

Pakistan's incarcerated former prime minister Nawaz Sharif will have to maintain his jail room on his own as the Punjab provincial government refused to provide him with a prisoner who could serve as his orderly, according to a media report.

Pakistan's incarcerated former prime minister Nawaz Sharif will have to maintain his jail room on his own as the Punjab provincial government refused to provide him with a prisoner who could serve as his orderly, according to a media report. Sharif, 69, has been serving a seven-year jail term in Lahore's Kot Lakhpat jail in the Al-Azizia Steel Mills graft case and being a former prime minister he is entitled to better facilities including an orderly who is from prisoners. Punjab's Inspector General of Prisons Shahid Saleem Beg said on Wednesday that Punjab government decided that it could not provide a prisoner to Sharif who could serve as his orderly and that he would have to maintain his room on his own, the Dawn reported. The prisons chief said Nawaz Sharif has been asked to maintain his room" to serve out the seven-year "rigorous" imprisonment handed down to him in the Al-Azizia Steel Mills/Hill Metal Establishment reference. Speaking to the media in the presence of Punjab Governor Chaudhry Sarwar at the Governor House, the prisons chief said Sharif's case was highly sensitive and he could not be allowed to go outside his barracks in the prison. He said Sharif's "rigour had been kept within his barracks". According to the jail manual, he said, the former premier had been asked to maintain his room himself. However, he later clarified to the daily that Sharif had not been put to any rigour, adding that the manual allowed elderly inmates certain concessions on that count. "Any issue related to Nawaz Sharif in jail could bring a bad name to Pakistan," Beg said. Meanwhile, Maryam Sharif, the daughter of the ex-premier, on Thursday said her father was in high spirits in the jail. "Just came out of Kotlakhpat jail. MNS was fine and Alhamdolillah in high spirits," Maryam said in a Twitter post. Just came out of Kotlakhpat jail. MNS was fine and Alhamdolillah in high spirits. Thank you everyone for your prayers, unflinching support & good wishes. God bless you all. — Maryam Nawaz Sharif (@MaryamNSharif) January 3, 2019 × "Thank you, everyone, for your prayers, unflinching support & good wishes. God bless you all," she added. Sharif on Thursday filed a plea before the Islamabad High Court to grant him bail and suspend his seven-year jail sentence in the Al-Azizia corruption case till the high court decides on his appeal against the verdict. An anti-corruption court in Pakistan on December 24 sentenced the ousted premier to seven years in jail in the Al-Azizia Steel Mills graft case but acquitted him in the Flagship Investments case, concluding a series of three court cases against the Sharif family in the high-profile Panama Papers case. The Al-Azizia Steel Mill case was about setting up steel mills in Saudi Arabia allegedly with corruption money. Three cases - Avenfield properties case, Flagship investment case and Al-Azizia steel mills case - were launched against the Sharif family by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) on September 8, 2017, following a judgment by the Supreme Court that disqualified Sharif in the Panama Papers case in July last year.

Nawaz Sharif denied assistant, told to maintain jail room himself

Pakistan's jailed ex-premier Nawaz Sharif on Tuesday filed an appeal against his conviction in the Al-Azizia Steel Mills case, a week after an accountability court sentenced him to seven years in jail in the graft case.

Sharif, 69, also filed an application seeking suspension of his sentence.

On December 24, 2018, Accountability Court II Judge Arshad Malik sentenced Sharif to seven years in prison along with a fine of Rs 1.5 billion and $25 million in the Al-Azizia corruption case, concluding a series of three court cases against the Sharif family in the high-profile Panama Papers scandal.

The three-time former premier is serving his term in Lahore's Kot Lakhpat Jail.

In the appeal filed through his lawyer Khawaja Harris in the Islamabad High Court on Tuesday, Sharif argued that he was convicted on the basis of presumptions and his sentence should be set aside.

He said the trial court verdict was based on misunderstandings as it failed to properly evaluate the objections by the defence.

He also sought suspension of sentence until decision on the appeal to set aside his conviction in the case.

Three cases - Avenfield properties case, Flagship investment case and Al-Azizia steel mills case - were launched against the Sharif family by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) on September 8, 2017 following a judgment by the Supreme Court that disqualified Sharif in the Panama Papers case in July last year.

In July, 2018 Sharif, his daughter Maryam and his son-in-law Captain (retd) M Safdar were sentenced to 10 years, seven years and one year respectively in prison in the Avenfield properties case related to their purchase of four luxury flats in London through corrupt practices. However, the three were bailed out by the Islamabad High Court in September.

Sharif was acquitted in the Flagship case due to insufficient evidence. 
His two sons - Hasan and Hussain - were accused in all the three graft cases.

Sharif has maintained that the cases against him were initiated on the basis of allegations levelled by his political rivals and the report of a joint investigation team in the Panama Papers case was biased.&nbsp;

Pakistan's jailed ex-premier Nawaz Sharif on Tuesday filed an appeal against his conviction in the Al-Azizia Steel Mills case, a week after an accountability court sentenced him to seven years in jail in the graft case.

Pakistan's jailed ex-premier Nawaz Sharif on Tuesday filed an appeal against his conviction in the Al-Azizia Steel Mills case, a week after an accountability court sentenced him to seven years in jail in the graft case. Sharif, 69, also filed an application seeking suspension of his sentence. On December 24, 2018, Accountability Court II Judge Arshad Malik sentenced Sharif to seven years in prison along with a fine of Rs 1.5 billion and $25 million in the Al-Azizia corruption case, concluding a series of three court cases against the Sharif family in the high-profile Panama Papers scandal. The three-time former premier is serving his term in Lahore's Kot Lakhpat Jail. In the appeal filed through his lawyer Khawaja Harris in the Islamabad High Court on Tuesday, Sharif argued that he was convicted on the basis of presumptions and his sentence should be set aside. He said the trial court verdict was based on misunderstandings as it failed to properly evaluate the objections by the defence. He also sought suspension of sentence until decision on the appeal to set aside his conviction in the case. Three cases - Avenfield properties case, Flagship investment case and Al-Azizia steel mills case - were launched against the Sharif family by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) on September 8, 2017 following a judgment by the Supreme Court that disqualified Sharif in the Panama Papers case in July last year. In July, 2018 Sharif, his daughter Maryam and his son-in-law Captain (retd) M Safdar were sentenced to 10 years, seven years and one year respectively in prison in the Avenfield properties case related to their purchase of four luxury flats in London through corrupt practices. However, the three were bailed out by the Islamabad High Court in September. Sharif was acquitted in the Flagship case due to insufficient evidence. His two sons - Hasan and Hussain - were accused in all the three graft cases. Sharif has maintained that the cases against him were initiated on the basis of allegations levelled by his political rivals and the report of a joint investigation team in the Panama Papers case was biased.

Ousted Pakistan PM Nawaz Sharif challenges his conviction in graft case

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/the-rise-and-fall-of-pakistans-nawaz-sharif-186358">Pakistan's ousted prime minister Nawaz Sharif </a>will challenge his conviction in the Al-Azizia Steel Mills case in the Islamabad High Court this week, his lawyer said on Sunday after the PML-N supremo was sentenced to seven years in jail for corruption.

Three cases - Avenfield properties case, Flagship Investment case and Al-Azizia Steel Mills case - were launched<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/ousted-pakistan-pm-nawaz-sharif-shifted-to-kot-lakhpat-jail-in-lahore-186373"> against the Sharif family</a> by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) on September 8, 2017, following a judgment by the Supreme Court that disqualified Sharif as prime minister in the high-profile Panama Papers case in July last year.

Last Monday, an anti-corruption court in Islamabad sentenced 68-year-old Sharif to seven years in jail in the Al-Azizia Steel Mills case but acquitted him in the Flagship Investment case.

The accountability court had also imposed a fine of $ 2.5 million and 1.5 million pounds on Sharif.

"We have almost finalised the draft of the appeal against the verdict (against Sharif) and will file it in the Islamabad High Court this week," Sharif's lawyer Khwaja Haris told PTI. He said, "We are hopeful to get relief from the high court as there are many loopholes in the judgment of the accountability court".

Sharif's legal team also called on him at Kot Lakhpat jail in Lahore on Saturday and discussed with him legal matters related to the appeal challenging the accountability court's verdict. They also met his daughter Maryam Nawaz at the Sharif's Jati Umra residence in Raiwind and discussed the case.

The accountability court had also barred Sharif from holding public office for 10 years after completing his sentence. It also ordered confiscation of his Hill Metal Establishment firm and issued perpetual warrants of arrest for his sons - Hussain and Hassan - who had been declared proclaimed offenders.

This was the second conviction of three-time prime minister Sharif this year, as he had been convicted for 10 years, along with his daughter Maryam Nawaz (seven years) and son-in-law Mohammad Safdar (one year), in the Avenfield case in July.

The Islamabad High Court had suspended their sentence and they were released on September 19 after spending 63 days in prison. The three corruption references were filed in the court against the Sharif family following revelations of their offshore holdings in the Panama Papers in 2016.

Sharif spent a night in Adialia jail in Rawalpindi after his conviction on Monday and was shifted to Kot Lakhpat jail the next day.

Sharif's younger brother and PML-N president Shahbaz Sharif is also incarcerated at the Kot Lakhpat jail in the Rs 14 billion Ashiyana Housing scam.

According to jail sources, both brothers meet each other as they are in the same barrack. Shahbaz, also the opposition leader in the National Assembly, will be shifted to Islamabad when the parliamentary session is underway.&nbsp;

The PML-N has expressed hope that Sharif will get relief from the high court as no corruption has been proven against him.

"According to our legal team the judgment of the accountability court is very weak and we have strong grounds to pin hopes to get relief from the high court," said PML-N senior leader and former federal minister Ahsan Iqbal.

He said in the Al-Azizia case "justice has not been served as there are many loopholes in the judgment".&nbsp;

Three cases - Avenfield properties case, Flagship Investment case and Al-Azizia Steel Mills case - were launched against the Sharif family by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) on September 8, 2017.

Pakistan's ousted prime minister Nawaz Sharif will challenge his conviction in the Al-Azizia Steel Mills case in the Islamabad High Court this week, his lawyer said on Sunday after the PML-N supremo was sentenced to seven years in jail for corruption. Three cases - Avenfield properties case, Flagship Investment case and Al-Azizia Steel Mills case - were launched against the Sharif family by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) on September 8, 2017, following a judgment by the Supreme Court that disqualified Sharif as prime minister in the high-profile Panama Papers case in July last year. Last Monday, an anti-corruption court in Islamabad sentenced 68-year-old Sharif to seven years in jail in the Al-Azizia Steel Mills case but acquitted him in the Flagship Investment case. The accountability court had also imposed a fine of $ 2.5 million and 1.5 million pounds on Sharif. "We have almost finalised the draft of the appeal against the verdict (against Sharif) and will file it in the Islamabad High Court this week," Sharif's lawyer Khwaja Haris told PTI. He said, "We are hopeful to get relief from the high court as there are many loopholes in the judgment of the accountability court". Sharif's legal team also called on him at Kot Lakhpat jail in Lahore on Saturday and discussed with him legal matters related to the appeal challenging the accountability court's verdict. They also met his daughter Maryam Nawaz at the Sharif's Jati Umra residence in Raiwind and discussed the case. The accountability court had also barred Sharif from holding public office for 10 years after completing his sentence. It also ordered confiscation of his Hill Metal Establishment firm and issued perpetual warrants of arrest for his sons - Hussain and Hassan - who had been declared proclaimed offenders. This was the second conviction of three-time prime minister Sharif this year, as he had been convicted for 10 years, along with his daughter Maryam Nawaz (seven years) and son-in-law Mohammad Safdar (one year), in the Avenfield case in July. The Islamabad High Court had suspended their sentence and they were released on September 19 after spending 63 days in prison. The three corruption references were filed in the court against the Sharif family following revelations of their offshore holdings in the Panama Papers in 2016. Sharif spent a night in Adialia jail in Rawalpindi after his conviction on Monday and was shifted to Kot Lakhpat jail the next day. Sharif's younger brother and PML-N president Shahbaz Sharif is also incarcerated at the Kot Lakhpat jail in the Rs 14 billion Ashiyana Housing scam. According to jail sources, both brothers meet each other as they are in the same barrack. Shahbaz, also the opposition leader in the National Assembly, will be shifted to Islamabad when the parliamentary session is underway. The PML-N has expressed hope that Sharif will get relief from the high court as no corruption has been proven against him. "According to our legal team the judgment of the accountability court is very weak and we have strong grounds to pin hopes to get relief from the high court," said PML-N senior leader and former federal minister Ahsan Iqbal. He said in the Al-Azizia case "justice has not been served as there are many loopholes in the judgment".

Ousted Pakistan PM Nawaz Sharif to challenge conviction in graft case

Former Pakistan prime minister <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/nawaz-sharif-objects-to-back-to-jail-comments-of-pakistan-info-minister-173687">Nawaz Sharif, 68, was sentenced</a> to seven years in prison by a Pakistan court in a corruption case.

The PML(N) supremo was&nbsp;however&nbsp;acquitted in another case connected with corruption.

The anti-corruption court found the ex-prime minister guilty in the Al-Azizia graft case but acquitted in him the Flagship Investment case.

The accountability court had earlier indicted Sharif for holding assets beyond his known sources of income last year in August.

Three cases - Avenfield properties case, Flagship Investment case and Al-Azizia steel mills case - were launched by the National Accountability Bureau(NAB) last year in September, following a judgment by the Pakistan Supreme Court that disqualified Sharif.

Sharif's supporters said the former prime minister would appeal.

"Appeal is our right, we will protest but will remain peaceful," former prime minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, who succeeded Sharif last year, told reporters outside the courthouse in Islamabad.

Sharif was sentenced in July to 10 years in prison by the same court, on charges related to the purchase of upscale apartments in London, after the Supreme Court removed him from power. He was released in September pending an appeal.

Reacting to the development, Pakistan's information minister Fawad Chaudhry said the&nbsp; "real face of Nawaz Sharif has been unmasked today",

Chaudhry added that the PML(N) leader was unable to provide the&nbsp;money trail for his assets, therefore, he was sentenced to seven years in prison.

Former Pakistan prime minister Nawaz Sharif, 68, was sentenced to seven years in prison by a Pakistan court in a corruption case. The PML(N) supremo was however acquitted in another case connected with corruption.

Former Pakistan prime minister Nawaz Sharif, 68, was sentenced to seven years in prison by a Pakistan court in a corruption case. The PML(N) supremo was however acquitted in another case connected with corruption. The anti-corruption court found the ex-prime minister guilty in the Al-Azizia graft case but acquitted in him the Flagship Investment case. The accountability court had earlier indicted Sharif for holding assets beyond his known sources of income last year in August. Three cases - Avenfield properties case, Flagship Investment case and Al-Azizia steel mills case - were launched by the National Accountability Bureau(NAB) last year in September, following a judgment by the Pakistan Supreme Court that disqualified Sharif. Sharif's supporters said the former prime minister would appeal. "Appeal is our right, we will protest but will remain peaceful," former prime minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, who succeeded Sharif last year, told reporters outside the courthouse in Islamabad. Sharif was sentenced in July to 10 years in prison by the same court, on charges related to the purchase of upscale apartments in London, after the Supreme Court removed him from power. He was released in September pending an appeal. Reacting to the development, Pakistan's information minister Fawad Chaudhry said the "real face of Nawaz Sharif has been unmasked today", Chaudhry added that the PML(N) leader was unable to provide the money trail for his assets, therefore, he was sentenced to seven years in prison.

Pak court convicts ex-PM Nawaz Sharif in corruption case; sentenced to 7 years in prison

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pak-elections-2018-when-pakistan-witnessed-its-second-democratic-transfer-of-power-since-1947-186357">Pakistan's</a> ousted<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/the-rise-and-fall-of-pakistans-nawaz-sharif-186358"> Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif </a>was shifted to Kot Lakhpat jail here on Tuesday, a day after an anti-corruption court sentenced him to seven years in prison in a graft case linked to the high-profile Panama Papers scandal.

Sharif, 69, was <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pak-court-convicts-ex-pm-nawaz-sharif-in-corruption-case-sentenced-to-7-years-in-prison-186144">sentenced to seven years </a>of rigorous imprisonment in the Al-Azizia Steel Mills graft case but was acquitted in the Flagship Investments reference by Islamabad-based Accountability Court on Monday.

After the verdict, Sharif was arrested in the court and taken to Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi. He was shifted to the Kot Lakhpat jail in Lahore after the court accepted his request.

Sharif in his application to the court said that he wanted to serve the sentence at Kot Lakhpat jail as his family members and his personal physicians live in Lahore.

A number of Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) supporters gathered outside the jail to have a glimpse of their leader.

However, due to high security, they were not allowed to come close to the prison. Police also baton charged the workers for trying to reach the jail.

According to the jail administration, Sharif is provided with "better class" facilities.

"The better class prisoners are provided with a mattress, a study table, two chairs, a TV set and newspaper," they said.

Sharif has been shifted to the barrack where former president Asif Ali Zardari was also kept in corruption cases in the 1990s.

Upon reaching Kot Lakhpat jail, doctors carried out a medical examination of Sharif and found him physically fit.

Commenting on the verdict on Monday, Sharif said his conscience was clear as he was never involved in any kind of corruption.

"I was never involved in misuse of authority and corruption so my conscience is at peace," he said.

Sharif's lawyers said the accountability court's verdict will be challenged in the Islamabad High Court.

The Accountability Court verdict concluded a series of three court cases Avenfield properties case, Flagship investment case and Al-Azizia steel mills case - were launched against the Sharif family by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) on September 8, 2017 following a judgment by the Supreme Court that disqualified Sharif in the Panama Papers case in July last year.

Sharif, his daughter Maryam and his son-in-law Captain (retd) M Safdar were sentenced to 11 years, eight years and one year respectively in prison in the Avenfield properties case related to their purchase of four luxury flats in London through corrupt practices. However, the three were bailed out by the Islamabad High Court in September.

The apex court set the deadline for December 24 to wrap up the remaining two corruption cases against the Sharif family.

The three-time former prime minister has maintained that the cases against him were initiated on the basis of allegations levelled by his political rivals and the report of a joint investigation team in the Panama Papers case was biased.&nbsp;

Pakistan's ousted Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif was shifted to Kot Lakhpat jail here on Tuesday, a day after an anti-corruption court sentenced him to seven years in prison in a graft case linked to the high-profile Panama Papers scandal.

Pakistan's ousted Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif was shifted to Kot Lakhpat jail here on Tuesday, a day after an anti-corruption court sentenced him to seven years in prison in a graft case linked to the high-profile Panama Papers scandal. Sharif, 69, was sentenced to seven years of rigorous imprisonment in the Al-Azizia Steel Mills graft case but was acquitted in the Flagship Investments reference by Islamabad-based Accountability Court on Monday. After the verdict, Sharif was arrested in the court and taken to Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi. He was shifted to the Kot Lakhpat jail in Lahore after the court accepted his request. Sharif in his application to the court said that he wanted to serve the sentence at Kot Lakhpat jail as his family members and his personal physicians live in Lahore. A number of Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) supporters gathered outside the jail to have a glimpse of their leader. However, due to high security, they were not allowed to come close to the prison. Police also baton charged the workers for trying to reach the jail. According to the jail administration, Sharif is provided with "better class" facilities. "The better class prisoners are provided with a mattress, a study table, two chairs, a TV set and newspaper," they said. Sharif has been shifted to the barrack where former president Asif Ali Zardari was also kept in corruption cases in the 1990s. Upon reaching Kot Lakhpat jail, doctors carried out a medical examination of Sharif and found him physically fit. Commenting on the verdict on Monday, Sharif said his conscience was clear as he was never involved in any kind of corruption. "I was never involved in misuse of authority and corruption so my conscience is at peace," he said. Sharif's lawyers said the accountability court's verdict will be challenged in the Islamabad High Court. The Accountability Court verdict concluded a series of three court cases Avenfield properties case, Flagship investment case and Al-Azizia steel mills case - were launched against the Sharif family by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) on September 8, 2017 following a judgment by the Supreme Court that disqualified Sharif in the Panama Papers case in July last year. Sharif, his daughter Maryam and his son-in-law Captain (retd) M Safdar were sentenced to 11 years, eight years and one year respectively in prison in the Avenfield properties case related to their purchase of four luxury flats in London through corrupt practices. However, the three were bailed out by the Islamabad High Court in September. The apex court set the deadline for December 24 to wrap up the remaining two corruption cases against the Sharif family. The three-time former prime minister has maintained that the cases against him were initiated on the basis of allegations levelled by his political rivals and the report of a joint investigation team in the Panama Papers case was biased.

Ousted Pakistan PM Nawaz Sharif shifted to Kot Lakhpat jail in Lahore

Former Pakistani prime minister Nawaz Sharif was on December 24 sentenced to <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pak-court-convicts-ex-pm-nawaz-sharif-in-corruption-case-sentenced-to-7-years-in-prison-186144">seven years in prison</a> and fined $25 million on corruption charges that he says were politically motivated.

The anti-corruption court in Islamabad said in its ruling that the three-time prime minister was unable to prove the source of income that had led to his ownership of a steel mill in Saudi Arabia. Under Pakistani law, this is taken to prove corruption.

Sharif was found to have been unable to demonstrate that his family had acquired the steel mill legitimately, but was acquitted on the second charge, relating to Flagship.

Sharif, 68, had already been sentenced by the same court to 10 years in prison on charges related to the purchase of upscale apartments in London, after the Supreme Court removed him from power.

Nawaz Sharif was born into a Kashmiri family of industrialists in the eastern city of Lahore in 1949. He graduated with a law degree from Punjab University and went to work in the family steel business.

He entered politics in 1976, joining the Pakistan Muslim League (PML) after the Sharif family steel business was nationalised under the government of Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto. This was the beginning of a long political rivalry between the families.

In 1981, Sharif joined the Punjab provincial cabinet as finance minister, becoming Punjab's chief minister in 1985. The PML later split and Nawaz formed the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N).

He was elected prime minister for the first time in 1990 but soon fell out with President Ghulam Ishaq Khan and was removed three years later after the President dissolved the National Assembly. He was reinstated by Supreme Court which termed the presidential order unconstitutional, but Sharif's party lost the 1993 elections to the Pakistan People's Party of Benazir Bhutto, daughter of Zulfiqar Bhutto.

Sharif again became the prime minister in 1997. During his term, Pakistan successfully tested nuclear weapons in response to India's atomic programme. However, he was overthrown in a military coup by General Pervez Musharraf, the country's fourth army takeover since independence in 1947. After the coup, he was convicted of corruption and given a life sentence for hijacking over an incident when he ordered Musharraf's plane not to land in Islamabad.

Sharif remained in exile in Saudi Arabia from 2000 to 2007 amid reports of a deal with the military. He was given a presidential pardon the day his family left.

He returned from exile to contest elections in 2008 as part of a political deal that ended Musharraf's military rule but lost to Benazir Bhutto, who was assassinated ahead of the polls.

Sharif's party swept back to power in 2013, and he became the prime minister for third time. But the trouble soon began after leaked Panama papers in April, 2016, showed involvement of Sharif's family in offshore companies including two used to buy luxury homes in London. Cricketer-turned-politician sensed an opportunity and threatened to paralyse the capital Islamabad with a "lockdown" of street protests in October that year unless demands for an independent investigation into the Panama revelations are met. Sharif denied any wrongdoing.

In November 2016, Pakistan's Supreme Court agreed to set up a judicial commission to probe corruption allegations against Sharif, stemming from Panama Papers leaks and in July, 2017, he was disqualified from office for not declaring income from a company in United Arab Emirates, which was not in original Panama Papers revelations. The court also ordered the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) to open a criminal trial into ownership of the London flats along with several other Panama Papers revelations.

In April, 2018, the country's Supreme Court further banned Sharif from political office for life and in July, the NAB court convicted Sharif of corruption and sentenced him in absentia to 10 years in prison. He was arrested on July 13 on returning from London where he was tending to his wife, Kulsoom, who later <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/former-pak-pm-nawaz-sharifs-wife-kulsoom-nawaz-passes-away-in-london-165099">passed away of cancer</a>.

Sharif has a history of conflict with the military even though his political career was initially nurtured by military dictator Zia ul-Haq in the 1980s.

He fell out with powerful generals once he ascended to power a decade later, and relations became fraught after his return as premier in 2013, partly because he challenged the military over foreign policy, which the generals traditionally considered their domain.

Sharif has argued that the military, in cahoots with top judges, has used cases against him and party members to tip the scales in favour of cricketer-turned-politician Imran Khan ahead of the election.

Five months ago, Sharif's PML-N lost a general election to the party of Khan, who became the new prime minister of Pakistan.

Former Pakistani prime minister Nawaz Sharif was on December 24 sentenced to seven years in prison and fined $25 million on corruption charges that he says were politically motivated.

Former Pakistani prime minister Nawaz Sharif was on December 24 sentenced to seven years in prison and fined $25 million on corruption charges that he says were politically motivated. The anti-corruption court in Islamabad said in its ruling that the three-time prime minister was unable to prove the source of income that had led to his ownership of a steel mill in Saudi Arabia. Under Pakistani law, this is taken to prove corruption. Sharif was found to have been unable to demonstrate that his family had acquired the steel mill legitimately, but was acquitted on the second charge, relating to Flagship. Sharif, 68, had already been sentenced by the same court to 10 years in prison on charges related to the purchase of upscale apartments in London, after the Supreme Court removed him from power. Nawaz Sharif was born into a Kashmiri family of industrialists in the eastern city of Lahore in 1949. He graduated with a law degree from Punjab University and went to work in the family steel business. He entered politics in 1976, joining the Pakistan Muslim League (PML) after the Sharif family steel business was nationalised under the government of Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto. This was the beginning of a long political rivalry between the families. In 1981, Sharif joined the Punjab provincial cabinet as finance minister, becoming Punjab's chief minister in 1985. The PML later split and Nawaz formed the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N). He was elected prime minister for the first time in 1990 but soon fell out with President Ghulam Ishaq Khan and was removed three years later after the President dissolved the National Assembly. He was reinstated by Supreme Court which termed the presidential order unconstitutional, but Sharif's party lost the 1993 elections to the Pakistan People's Party of Benazir Bhutto, daughter of Zulfiqar Bhutto. Sharif again became the prime minister in 1997. During his term, Pakistan successfully tested nuclear weapons in response to India's atomic programme. However, he was overthrown in a military coup by General Pervez Musharraf, the country's fourth army takeover since independence in 1947. After the coup, he was convicted of corruption and given a life sentence for hijacking over an incident when he ordered Musharraf's plane not to land in Islamabad. Sharif remained in exile in Saudi Arabia from 2000 to 2007 amid reports of a deal with the military. He was given a presidential pardon the day his family left. He returned from exile to contest elections in 2008 as part of a political deal that ended Musharraf's military rule but lost to Benazir Bhutto, who was assassinated ahead of the polls. Sharif's party swept back to power in 2013, and he became the prime minister for third time. But the trouble soon began after leaked Panama papers in April, 2016, showed involvement of Sharif's family in offshore companies including two used to buy luxury homes in London. Cricketer-turned-politician sensed an opportunity and threatened to paralyse the capital Islamabad with a "lockdown" of street protests in October that year unless demands for an independent investigation into the Panama revelations are met. Sharif denied any wrongdoing. In November 2016, Pakistan's Supreme Court agreed to set up a judicial commission to probe corruption allegations against Sharif, stemming from Panama Papers leaks and in July, 2017, he was disqualified from office for not declaring income from a company in United Arab Emirates, which was not in original Panama Papers revelations. The court also ordered the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) to open a criminal trial into ownership of the London flats along with several other Panama Papers revelations. In April, 2018, the country's Supreme Court further banned Sharif from political office for life and in July, the NAB court convicted Sharif of corruption and sentenced him in absentia to 10 years in prison. He was arrested on July 13 on returning from London where he was tending to his wife, Kulsoom, who later passed away of cancer. Sharif has a history of conflict with the military even though his political career was initially nurtured by military dictator Zia ul-Haq in the 1980s. He fell out with powerful generals once he ascended to power a decade later, and relations became fraught after his return as premier in 2013, partly because he challenged the military over foreign policy, which the generals traditionally considered their domain. Sharif has argued that the military, in cahoots with top judges, has used cases against him and party members to tip the scales in favour of cricketer-turned-politician Imran Khan ahead of the election. Five months ago, Sharif's PML-N lost a general election to the party of Khan, who became the new prime minister of Pakistan.

The rise and fall of Pakistan's Nawaz Sharif

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pak-court-convicts-ex-pm-nawaz-sharif-in-corruption-case-sentenced-to-7-years-in-prison-186144">Pak court convicts ex-PM Nawaz Sharif in corruption case; sentenced to 7 years in prison</a>

Former Pakistan prime minister Nawaz Sharif, 68, was sentenced to seven years in prison by a Pakistan court in a corruption case.

The PML(N) supremo was however acquitted in another case connected with corruption.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-car-bomb-attack-in-kabul-gunmen-target-government-ministry-186183">Afghanistan: Car bomb attack in Kabul; gunmen target government ministry</a>

Gunmen entered a Kabul government compound in Afghanistan after detonating a car bomb, officials said.

The attack occurred outside Afghanistan's ministry of public works.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/ms-dhoni-returns-in-indias-squad-for-australia-and-nz-odis-pant-dropped-186204">MS Dhoni returns in India's squad for Australia and NZ ODIs; Pant dropped</a>

MS Dhoni Monday returned to India's T20 squad for the February series against New Zealand, while young wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant was dropped from the ODI squad.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/resolutely-oppose-demand-to-free-two-detained-canadians-china-186176">Resolutely oppose demand to free two detained Canadians: China</a>

China declared today it was "resolutely" opposed to Canada demanding release of two detained citizens as relations between the two countries continued to decline.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/puzzling-to-see-providing-loan-waiver-is-termed-as-economic-waste-varun-gandhi-to-wion-186169">Policy apathy has adversely impacted farmer condition: Varun Gandhi to WION</a>

BJP MP from Sultanpur Varun Gandhi has written a book called "Rural Manifesto" in which he has highlighted the problem faced by Indian agriculture. He spoke with WION on the issues faced by the Indian farmers. BJP recently lost the momentum in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh because of strong rural distress and subsequently lost elections to Congress in the three states.

Pak court convicts ex-PM Nawaz Sharif in corruption case; sentenced to 7 years in prison Former Pakistan prime minister Nawaz Sharif, 68, was sentenced to seven years in prison by a Pakistan court in a corruption case.

Pak court convicts ex-PM Nawaz Sharif in corruption case; sentenced to 7 years in prison Former Pakistan prime minister Nawaz Sharif, 68, was sentenced to seven years in prison by a Pakistan court in a corruption case. The PML(N) supremo was however acquitted in another case connected with corruption. Afghanistan: Car bomb attack in Kabul; gunmen target government ministry Gunmen entered a Kabul government compound in Afghanistan after detonating a car bomb, officials said. The attack occurred outside Afghanistan's ministry of public works. MS Dhoni returns in India's squad for Australia and NZ ODIs; Pant dropped MS Dhoni Monday returned to India's T20 squad for the February series against New Zealand, while young wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant was dropped from the ODI squad. Resolutely oppose demand to free two detained Canadians: China China declared today it was "resolutely" opposed to Canada demanding release of two detained citizens as relations between the two countries continued to decline. Policy apathy has adversely impacted farmer condition: Varun Gandhi to WION BJP MP from Sultanpur Varun Gandhi has written a book called "Rural Manifesto" in which he has highlighted the problem faced by Indian agriculture. He spoke with WION on the issues faced by the Indian farmers. BJP recently lost the momentum in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh because of strong rural distress and subsequently lost elections to Congress in the three states.

News brief: Big stories of the day

Breaking News: Nawaz Sharif gets 7-year jail term in corruption case

Pakistan witnessed a political coup in 2018 with cricketer-turned-politician<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/imran-khan-lectures-india-on-treatment-of-minorities-says-will-show-modi-govt-how-to-treat-them-185894"> Imran Khan </a>breaking the dominance of the PML-N and the PPP - the two main political parties that have been repeatedly in power - to become prime minister and initiate steps like opening the Kartarpur corridor to improve ties with India.

The Indo-Pak ties strained after the terror attacks by Pakistan-based terrorists in 2016 and India's surgical strikes inside <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/jammu-kashmir-two-army-officers-killed-in-pakistan-ceasefire-violation-in-kupwara-185745">Pakistan-occupied Kashmir</a>. The ties further nose-dived in 2017 with no bilateral talks taking place between them.

Amidst deadly skirmishes along the Line of Control and diplomatic bickering for the better part of 2018, the consensus on both sides to open the Kartarpur corridor for <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sikh-pilgrims-gather-at-gurdwara-punja-sahib-in-pak-for-guru-nanaks-birth-anniversary-179580">Indian Sikh pilgrims</a> has created a ray of hope for improvement in Indo-Pak ties in 2019. The corridor is likely to be completed before the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/amarinder-launches-year-long-celebrations-of-550th-birth-anniversary-of-guru-nanak-dev-179044">550th birth anniversary</a> of Guru Nanak Dev next year.

Foreign Office spokesman Mohammad Faisal said, "Kartarpur is not an isolated event" and the process to engage India was set in motion by Prime Minister Khan when he wrote a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi in September, offering dialogue to resolve all disputes, including Kashmir.

"Unfortunately, the process whittled after India cancelled a meeting of the two <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/due-to-policies-of-bjp-indo-pak-negotiations-havent-been-taking-place-pak-foreign-minister-qureshi-170258">Foreign Minister</a>s scheduled to be held on the sidelines of UN General Assembly in New York," he said.

Defence analyst Talat Masood said the Kartarpur corridor was a good confidence-building measure. "There should be follow-up steps to build on the goodwill generated by the opening of Kartarpur corridor," he said.

Though Pakistan released Indian national Hamid Nihal Ansari after six years, it has hardened its stance on Indian death row prisoner Kulbhushan Jadhav.

Khan's victory in the elections helped to improve communication between the two countries.

The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf chief struggled for more than two decades to break the dominance of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) - the two main political parties that have been repeatedly in power when the powerful military was not ruling the country.

Modi congratulated Khan on his victory, while the Indian high commissioner in Islamabad met him and presented a cricket bat signed by the Indian team.

Pakistani officials say they support a meaningful dialogue with India to address all issues of concern including Kashmir. But India has made it clear that talks and terror cannot go together.

Despite the failure to start talks in 2018, Khan's victory in the elections and opening of Kartarpur corridor has provided a window of opportunity, Masood said.

Khan in a recent interview to the Washington Post sent a positive signal towards India by conceding that the 2008 Mumbai attack was an act of "terrorism".

"We also want something done about the bombers of Mumbai. I have asked our government to find out the status of the case. Resolving that case is in our interest because it was an act of terrorism," he said.

The Mumbai attack case in which seven Lashkar-e-Taiba members are facing charges of planning and executing the deadly strike since 2009 is still being dragged on in a Pakistani anti-terror court though the Islamabad High Court in 2015 directed that the case should be wrapped up in two months.

Khan hoped that talks will start after elections in India in 2019.

On the economic front, cash-strapped Pakistan approached the IMF as its government struggled to keep the economy afloat. Pakistan is seeking $ 8 billion from the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/opinions/pakistans-privatisation-dilemma-as-it-seeks-imf-bailout-185452">International Monetary Fund</a> (IMF) to bail itself out from a severe balance-of-payments crisis that threatens to cripple the country's economy.

Under pressure to generate external funds, Khan travelled to Saudi Arabia and China and both countries assured him that they would provide Pakistan with a $ 6 billion rescue package each, according to reports.

Khan's government also pledged to complete the multi-billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects as a national priority, in an effort to allay the Chinese concerns about its future. Khan had criticised former prime minister Nawaz Sharif for the lack of transparency and corruption in the CPEC projects.

During the year, US-Pakistan ties further deteriorated and the US suspended $ 300 million in military support fund to Pakistan.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo visited Pakistan to "reset" the strained ties. Following his meetings with the civil and military leadership in Pakistan, Pompeo said that despite challenges in the US-Pakistan ties, he was hopeful of finding "common grounds" with the country's new government under Khan.

This year, Pakistan's most powerful political family - the Sharifs - suffered several setbacks.

An anti-corruption court in July <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/two-corruption-cases-against-nawaz-sharif-pakistan-court-judgement-due-on-december-24-185940">sentenced Sharif </a>to 10 years in jail. His daughter Maryam and son-in-law Capt (retired) Safdar were also sentenced to seven years and one-year jail term, respectively.

Sharif's wife Kulsoom died in London after a prolonged illness. His younger brother Shehbaz Sharif, who became PML-N chief, was also taken into custody in a corruption case.

The year will also be remembered for the deaths of hundreds of people in terror attacks. Maulana Sami ul Haq, an 80-year-old cleric known as the 'Father of Taliban', was murdered this year.

Christian woman <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/exonerated-but-not-free-asia-bibi-to-spend-christmas-in-custody-185935">Asia Bibi</a> was acquitted of blasphemy after eight years on death row, prompting violent protests by Islamists. Leading rights activist Asma Jahangir died this year.

Pakistan elected a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/arif-alvi-sworn-in-as-pakistans-new-president-164610">new President</a>, Arif Alvi, a close aide of Khan.

Pakistan witnessed a political coup in 2018 with cricketer-turned-politician Imran Khan breaking the dominance of the PML-N and the PPP - the two main political parties that have been repeatedly in power - to become prime minister and initiate steps like opening the Kartarpur corridor to improve ties with India.

Pakistan witnessed a political coup in 2018 with cricketer-turned-politician Imran Khan breaking the dominance of the PML-N and the PPP - the two main political parties that have been repeatedly in power - to become prime minister and initiate steps like opening the Kartarpur corridor to improve ties with India. The Indo-Pak ties strained after the terror attacks by Pakistan-based terrorists in 2016 and India's surgical strikes inside Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. The ties further nose-dived in 2017 with no bilateral talks taking place between them. Amidst deadly skirmishes along the Line of Control and diplomatic bickering for the better part of 2018, the consensus on both sides to open the Kartarpur corridor for Indian Sikh pilgrims has created a ray of hope for improvement in Indo-Pak ties in 2019. The corridor is likely to be completed before the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev next year. Foreign Office spokesman Mohammad Faisal said, "Kartarpur is not an isolated event" and the process to engage India was set in motion by Prime Minister Khan when he wrote a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi in September, offering dialogue to resolve all disputes, including Kashmir. "Unfortunately, the process whittled after India cancelled a meeting of the two Foreign Ministers scheduled to be held on the sidelines of UN General Assembly in New York," he said. Defence analyst Talat Masood said the Kartarpur corridor was a good confidence-building measure. "There should be follow-up steps to build on the goodwill generated by the opening of Kartarpur corridor," he said. Though Pakistan released Indian national Hamid Nihal Ansari after six years, it has hardened its stance on Indian death row prisoner Kulbhushan Jadhav. Khan's victory in the elections helped to improve communication between the two countries. The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf chief struggled for more than two decades to break the dominance of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) - the two main political parties that have been repeatedly in power when the powerful military was not ruling the country. Modi congratulated Khan on his victory, while the Indian high commissioner in Islamabad met him and presented a cricket bat signed by the Indian team. Pakistani officials say they support a meaningful dialogue with India to address all issues of concern including Kashmir. But India has made it clear that talks and terror cannot go together. Despite the failure to start talks in 2018, Khan's victory in the elections and opening of Kartarpur corridor has provided a window of opportunity, Masood said. Khan in a recent interview to the Washington Post sent a positive signal towards India by conceding that the 2008 Mumbai attack was an act of "terrorism". "We also want something done about the bombers of Mumbai. I have asked our government to find out the status of the case. Resolving that case is in our interest because it was an act of terrorism," he said. The Mumbai attack case in which seven Lashkar-e-Taiba members are facing charges of planning and executing the deadly strike since 2009 is still being dragged on in a Pakistani anti-terror court though the Islamabad High Court in 2015 directed that the case should be wrapped up in two months. Khan hoped that talks will start after elections in India in 2019. On the economic front, cash-strapped Pakistan approached the IMF as its government struggled to keep the economy afloat. Pakistan is seeking $ 8 billion from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to bail itself out from a severe balance-of-payments crisis that threatens to cripple the country's economy. Under pressure to generate external funds, Khan travelled to Saudi Arabia and China and both countries assured him that they would provide Pakistan with a $ 6 billion rescue package each, according to reports. Khan's government also pledged to complete the multi-billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects as a national priority, in an effort to allay the Chinese concerns about its future. Khan had criticised former prime minister Nawaz Sharif for the lack of transparency and corruption in the CPEC projects. During the year, US-Pakistan ties further deteriorated and the US suspended $ 300 million in military support fund to Pakistan. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo visited Pakistan to "reset" the strained ties. Following his meetings with the civil and military leadership in Pakistan, Pompeo said that despite challenges in the US-Pakistan ties, he was hopeful of finding "common grounds" with the country's new government under Khan. This year, Pakistan's most powerful political family - the Sharifs - suffered several setbacks. An anti-corruption court in July sentenced Sharif to 10 years in jail. His daughter Maryam and son-in-law Capt (retired) Safdar were also sentenced to seven years and one-year jail term, respectively. Sharif's wife Kulsoom died in London after a prolonged illness. His younger brother Shehbaz Sharif, who became PML-N chief, was also taken into custody in a corruption case. The year will also be remembered for the deaths of hundreds of people in terror attacks. Maulana Sami ul Haq, an 80-year-old cleric known as the 'Father of Taliban', was murdered this year. Christian woman Asia Bibi was acquitted of blasphemy after eight years on death row, prompting violent protests by Islamists. Leading rights activist Asma Jahangir died this year. Pakistan elected a new President, Arif Alvi, a close aide of Khan.

Pakistan witnesses Sharif's fall, Imran's rise in 2018; hopes to improve ties with India in 2019

An anti-corruption court in Pakistan will deliver its judgment on Monday in two remaining corruption cases against ousted prime minister Nawaz Sharif.

Judge Muhammad Arshad Malik of Islamabad-based accountability court last week reserved the judgment after completion of hearing in the Flagship Investment and Al-Azizia cases against 68-year-old Sharif.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistans-court-to-announce-verdict-on-former-pm-nawaz-sharif-in-corruption-cases-185667">The verdict</a> will be announced on December 24, which is the revised deadline set by the Supreme Court to wrap up the remaining two corruption cases against the three-time former prime minister.

If found guilty, Sharif can be sentenced up to 14 years in jail.

The accountability court had indicted Sharif for holding assets beyond his known sources of income in August 2017.

Last week, the judge rejected an application by Sharif's lawyer Khawaja Harris to provide one week time to submit more documents but allowed him to provide any document by Friday last.

The judge also observed that the court was bound to follow December 24 final deadline set by the Supreme Court.

Three cases - Avenfield properties case, Flagship Investment case and Al-Azizia steel mills case - were launched by the National Accountability Bureau on September 8, 2017, &nbsp;following a judgment by the apex court that disqualified Sharif.

The apex court initially set a six-month deadline to conclude the cases but it was subsequently increased around eight times on the request of the accountability court.

Sharif was disqualified by the Supreme Court in the Panama Papers case in July 2017.

In July 2018 Sharif, his daughter Maryam and his son-in-law retired captain Mohammad Safdar were sentenced to 11 years, eight years and one year respectively in prison in the Avenfield properties case related to their purchase of four luxury flats in London through corrupt practices. However, the three were bailed out by the Islamabad High Court in September.

His two sons - Hassan and Hussain - were also co-accused in all three cases but they were declared absconders for failing to appear before the court even for a single time.

The court decided to hear their cases separately once they returned back.

The three-time former prime minister and his family have denied any wrongdoing.

Sharif, who religiously followed the proceeding by appearing before the court for at least 78 times, told the media after the court reserved the judgment last week that he not committed any corruption.

"Not a penny of corruption has been proven against me. I am very happy that I have done my duty, and I think that since I have stepped in politics I have never indulged in corruption nor have misused my power," he said.

Veteran politician Javed Hashmi on Saturday predicted that Sharif will be convicted in the Flagship and Al-Azizia case as "the institutions won't let these (cases) prove false".

Talking to the media in Multan, he said that the purpose of the NAB was to make politicians change their political loyalties.

"I will not accept this decision as Nawaz Sharif will be convicted at any cost," he was quoted as saying by Dawn newspaper.

An anti-corruption court in Pakistan will deliver its judgment on Monday in two remaining corruption cases against ousted prime minister Nawaz Sharif. Judge Muhammad Arshad Malik of Islamabad-based accountability court last week reserved the judgment after completion of hearing in the Flagship Investment and Al-Azizia cases against 68-year-old Sharif.

An anti-corruption court in Pakistan will deliver its judgment on Monday in two remaining corruption cases against ousted prime minister Nawaz Sharif. Judge Muhammad Arshad Malik of Islamabad-based accountability court last week reserved the judgment after completion of hearing in the Flagship Investment and Al-Azizia cases against 68-year-old Sharif. The verdict will be announced on December 24, which is the revised deadline set by the Supreme Court to wrap up the remaining two corruption cases against the three-time former prime minister. If found guilty, Sharif can be sentenced up to 14 years in jail. The accountability court had indicted Sharif for holding assets beyond his known sources of income in August 2017. Last week, the judge rejected an application by Sharif's lawyer Khawaja Harris to provide one week time to submit more documents but allowed him to provide any document by Friday last. The judge also observed that the court was bound to follow December 24 final deadline set by the Supreme Court. Three cases - Avenfield properties case, Flagship Investment case and Al-Azizia steel mills case - were launched by the National Accountability Bureau on September 8, 2017, following a judgment by the apex court that disqualified Sharif. The apex court initially set a six-month deadline to conclude the cases but it was subsequently increased around eight times on the request of the accountability court. Sharif was disqualified by the Supreme Court in the Panama Papers case in July 2017. In July 2018 Sharif, his daughter Maryam and his son-in-law retired captain Mohammad Safdar were sentenced to 11 years, eight years and one year respectively in prison in the Avenfield properties case related to their purchase of four luxury flats in London through corrupt practices. However, the three were bailed out by the Islamabad High Court in September. His two sons - Hassan and Hussain - were also co-accused in all three cases but they were declared absconders for failing to appear before the court even for a single time. The court decided to hear their cases separately once they returned back. The three-time former prime minister and his family have denied any wrongdoing. Sharif, who religiously followed the proceeding by appearing before the court for at least 78 times, told the media after the court reserved the judgment last week that he not committed any corruption. "Not a penny of corruption has been proven against me. I am very happy that I have done my duty, and I think that since I have stepped in politics I have never indulged in corruption nor have misused my power," he said. Veteran politician Javed Hashmi on Saturday predicted that Sharif will be convicted in the Flagship and Al-Azizia case as "the institutions won't let these (cases) prove false". Talking to the media in Multan, he said that the purpose of the NAB was to make politicians change their political loyalties. "I will not accept this decision as Nawaz Sharif will be convicted at any cost," he was quoted as saying by Dawn newspaper.

Two corruption cases against Nawaz Sharif, Pakistan court judgement due on December 24

A court in Pakistan is expected to deliver judgement in two remaining corruption cases against ousted Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on his birthday on Monday, according to local media.

Reports said the Islamabad-based accountability court will announce the verdict following the completion of hearings for the Flagship Investment and Al-Azizia cases, for which the Sharif family had been charged for money laundering, hiding offshore assets and tax evasion.

Nawaz Sharif faces up to 14 years in jail if found guilty.

In September, Pakistan's high court ordered the release from jail of Sharif and his daughter, suspending the sentences they received from an accountability court in July, local media reported.

Geo TV and other broadcasters said the court suspended the 10-year sentence for Sharif and the seven-year term given to his daughter Maryam Nawaz over corrupt practices linked to his family's ownership of upscale London flats.

Sharif's party, the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz, which had been in power for five years, lost to the party of former cricket star Imran Khan in the election in July, 2018.

A court in Pakistan is expected to deliver judgement in two remaining corruption cases against ousted Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on his birthday on Monday, according to local media.

A court in Pakistan is expected to deliver judgement in two remaining corruption cases against ousted Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on his birthday on Monday, according to local media. Reports said the Islamabad-based accountability court will announce the verdict following the completion of hearings for the Flagship Investment and Al-Azizia cases, for which the Sharif family had been charged for money laundering, hiding offshore assets and tax evasion. Nawaz Sharif faces up to 14 years in jail if found guilty. In September, Pakistan's high court ordered the release from jail of Sharif and his daughter, suspending the sentences they received from an accountability court in July, local media reported. Geo TV and other broadcasters said the court suspended the 10-year sentence for Sharif and the seven-year term given to his daughter Maryam Nawaz over corrupt practices linked to his family's ownership of upscale London flats. Sharif's party, the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz, which had been in power for five years, lost to the party of former cricket star Imran Khan in the election in July, 2018.

Pakistan's court to announce verdict on former PM Nawaz Sharif in corruption cases

Former Pakistan prime minister Nawaz Sharif has expressed concerns over a medical report of his brother and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) president Shehbaz Sharif, which diagnosed the latter with cancer.

Shehbaz, who is currently in custody on charges of corruption in the Ashiana Housing Scheme case, was allowed by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) to meet his elder brother, at the Minister's Enclave in Islamabad.

The siblings talked about their well-being and the current political situation in the country.

During the meeting, Nawaz was anxious about Shehbaz's medical report, The Express Tribune reported quoting sources.

On November 25, Shehbaz underwent a medical examination at a private hospital in the Pakistani capital.

The NAB officials brought Sharif to the medical facility, where his blood tests and Computed Tomography (CT) scan were conducted.

The Pakistani opposition leader is expected to get his CT scan report on Tuesday, following which doctors would brief him on his medical condition, Geo News reported, quoting sources.

Shehbaz's check-up was necessitated a report indicated that the 67-year-old leader was suffering from cancer and his medical test was conducted after he had complained of throat pain.

Taking cognizance, doctors had recommended a CT scan to be conducted immediately, sources told Geo News.

Shehbaz's check-up was necessitated after he complained of throat pain, following which his medical test was conducted. The report indicated that the 67-year-old leader was suffering from cancer. Doctors then recommended him an urgent CT scan, sources told Geo News.

Shehbaz, who was arrested by the NAB on charges of misusing authority and corruption in the Rs 14 billion Ashiana Housing Scheme during his tenure as the Punjab chief minister from 2013 to 2018, has been in custody since October 5.

The PML-N chief denies any wrongdoings and dubs the allegations as "baseless".&nbsp;

Former Pakistan prime minister Nawaz Sharif has expressed concerns over a medical report of his brother and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) president Shehbaz Sharif, which diagnosed the latter with cancer.

Former Pakistan prime minister Nawaz Sharif has expressed concerns over a medical report of his brother and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) president Shehbaz Sharif, which diagnosed the latter with cancer. Shehbaz, who is currently in custody on charges of corruption in the Ashiana Housing Scheme case, was allowed by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) to meet his elder brother, at the Minister's Enclave in Islamabad. The siblings talked about their well-being and the current political situation in the country. During the meeting, Nawaz was anxious about Shehbaz's medical report, The Express Tribune reported quoting sources. On November 25, Shehbaz underwent a medical examination at a private hospital in the Pakistani capital. The NAB officials brought Sharif to the medical facility, where his blood tests and Computed Tomography (CT) scan were conducted. The Pakistani opposition leader is expected to get his CT scan report on Tuesday, following which doctors would brief him on his medical condition, Geo News reported, quoting sources. Shehbaz's check-up was necessitated a report indicated that the 67-year-old leader was suffering from cancer and his medical test was conducted after he had complained of throat pain. Taking cognizance, doctors had recommended a CT scan to be conducted immediately, sources told Geo News. Shehbaz's check-up was necessitated after he complained of throat pain, following which his medical test was conducted. The report indicated that the 67-year-old leader was suffering from cancer. Doctors then recommended him an urgent CT scan, sources told Geo News. Shehbaz, who was arrested by the NAB on charges of misusing authority and corruption in the Rs 14 billion Ashiana Housing Scheme during his tenure as the Punjab chief minister from 2013 to 2018, has been in custody since October 5. The PML-N chief denies any wrongdoings and dubs the allegations as "baseless".

Nawaz Sharif anxious about brother Shehbaz Sharif's cancer scare

Prime Minister Imran Khan-led government has decided to send four new cases to Pakistan's top anti-graft agency to investigate into the misuse of authority by the Sharif family in the previous government, according to a media report.

Khan's Adviser Shehzad Akbar and Special Assistant Iftikhar Durrani detailed the alleged misuse of government resources by former Punjab chief minister and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz chief Shehbaz Sharif and ousted prime minister Nawaz Sharif's daughter Maryam Nawaz at a press conference here, the Express Tribune newspaper reported.

The officials said that the Assets Recovery Unit was referring a case of the new London property belonging to the Sharif family to the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) for investigation, adding that the government had requested Britain for the ownership documents of the property.

Durrani said that the cases related to the misuse of funds in erecting a security fence around the Sharif family's Raiwind Palace, plunder of funds allocated for entertainment and gifts, unauthorised use of the prime minister's aircraft by Shehbaz and Maryam.

In the first case, he said that Rs 60 crore was spent to secure the "Raiwind Mahal", which was tantamount to misusing the authority and funds. 
Another case involves Maryam's use of the prime minister's official plane. Her trips cost the national exchequer Rs 3 crore. Another case refers to former Shehbaz's use of the plane.

Akbar said the record of the Prime Minister House and Punjab Chief Minister House would be handed over to NAB. He accused the previous rulers of using the taxpayers' money lavishly and said that the CM House's budget was enhanced manifold during 2013-18 period with mala fide intentions.

He said that the Assets Recovery Unit was in process of referring another case to NAB about Sharif's family's new property traced in London.

Akbar said it was a fit case of assets beyond known sources of income as the former prime minister had not disclosed the new property in London in any declaration submitted with the Election Commission or wealth statements.

He said it was the domain of NAB to carry out investigation into having assets beyond known sources of income while the Federal Bureau of Revenue (FBR) would look into tax-related matters. He said they had requested Britain for fresh ownership documents of the property.

Durrani said the information shared by China about the Multan Metro Bus Project would be shared with the media soon.

"Corrupt practices of former rulers are surfacing one after the other though they were denying to possess any land at home or abroad. Even they had distanced themselves from the contents of Qatari letters," he said.

Sharif, 68, was disqualified by the Supreme Court in the Panama Papers case in July, 2017.

In July, 2018 Sharif, his daughter Maryam and his son-in-law retired captain Mohammad Safdar were sentenced to 11 years, eight years and one year respectively in prison in the Avenfield properties case related to their purchase of four luxury flats in London through corrupt practices.

His sentence was, however, suspended. The three-time former prime minister and his family have denied any wrongdoing.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Imran Khan-led government has decided to send four new cases to Pakistan's top anti-graft agency to investigate into the misuse of authority by the Sharif family in the previous government, according to a media report.

Prime Minister Imran Khan-led government has decided to send four new cases to Pakistan's top anti-graft agency to investigate into the misuse of authority by the Sharif family in the previous government, according to a media report. Khan's Adviser Shehzad Akbar and Special Assistant Iftikhar Durrani detailed the alleged misuse of government resources by former Punjab chief minister and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz chief Shehbaz Sharif and ousted prime minister Nawaz Sharif's daughter Maryam Nawaz at a press conference here, the Express Tribune newspaper reported. The officials said that the Assets Recovery Unit was referring a case of the new London property belonging to the Sharif family to the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) for investigation, adding that the government had requested Britain for the ownership documents of the property. Durrani said that the cases related to the misuse of funds in erecting a security fence around the Sharif family's Raiwind Palace, plunder of funds allocated for entertainment and gifts, unauthorised use of the prime minister's aircraft by Shehbaz and Maryam. In the first case, he said that Rs 60 crore was spent to secure the "Raiwind Mahal", which was tantamount to misusing the authority and funds. Another case involves Maryam's use of the prime minister's official plane. Her trips cost the national exchequer Rs 3 crore. Another case refers to former Shehbaz's use of the plane. Akbar said the record of the Prime Minister House and Punjab Chief Minister House would be handed over to NAB. He accused the previous rulers of using the taxpayers' money lavishly and said that the CM House's budget was enhanced manifold during 2013-18 period with mala fide intentions. He said that the Assets Recovery Unit was in process of referring another case to NAB about Sharif's family's new property traced in London. Akbar said it was a fit case of assets beyond known sources of income as the former prime minister had not disclosed the new property in London in any declaration submitted with the Election Commission or wealth statements. He said it was the domain of NAB to carry out investigation into having assets beyond known sources of income while the Federal Bureau of Revenue (FBR) would look into tax-related matters. He said they had requested Britain for fresh ownership documents of the property. Durrani said the information shared by China about the Multan Metro Bus Project would be shared with the media soon. "Corrupt practices of former rulers are surfacing one after the other though they were denying to possess any land at home or abroad. Even they had distanced themselves from the contents of Qatari letters," he said. Sharif, 68, was disqualified by the Supreme Court in the Panama Papers case in July, 2017. In July, 2018 Sharif, his daughter Maryam and his son-in-law retired captain Mohammad Safdar were sentenced to 11 years, eight years and one year respectively in prison in the Avenfield properties case related to their purchase of four luxury flats in London through corrupt practices. His sentence was, however, suspended. The three-time former prime minister and his family have denied any wrongdoing.

Imran Khan's government to refer 4 new cases against Nawaz Sharif to NAB

Pakistan's deposed prime minister Nawaz Sharif's lawyers on Friday urged an accountability court to take notice of Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry's statement claiming the PML-N party supremo will "definitely go to prison again".

A top Pakistani court last month suspended the jail sentences of Sharif, his daughter Maryam and son-in-law Captain (retd) Mohammad Safdar in the Avenfield corruption case, one of the three corruption cases faced by the three-time prime minister. The trio were released from a jail following the court order.

Sharif's lawyers Khawaja Haris and Zubair Khalid asked Accountability Judge Arshad Malik to take cognizance of Chaudhry's remarks on the Hill Metal

Establishment case, in which the minister had stated that the former premier would go to prison again, Dawn newspaper reported.

Haris said that the court should take action against "the minister giving statements about you [the court] and Nawaz Sharif's arrest. This falls in your jurisdiction and you should take action against it."

"If action is not taken against this, it would create problems for the court," he said.

To this, Judge Malik said: "Was Chaudhry's statement general or was it a statement specifically targeting the court?"

He also told Haris and Khalid to file a written petition in court and attach a clipping of the news report that contains the reported statement of Chaudhry.

Speaking on Geo News on Thursday, Chaudhry had said that everyone knows the facts of the Hill Metal Establishment case and that Sharif, chief of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz party, will "definitely go to prison again".

After Haris and Khalid's remarks in court were reported, Chaudhry tweeted from his official account and said: "Had Khawaja Haris is a senior lawyer, and had he not taken millions in fees [from Nawaz Sharif's family] even he would have admitted that Nawaz Sharif should be punished.&nbsp;

It is unfortunate that such fool-proof cases take years to be completed," the minister said.

He added: "The Opposition neither has any leadership nor any vision, they are only playing politics to save their money and more than fifty of them will go to jail."

On the orders of the Supreme Court, the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) filed three corruption cases against the 68-year-old Sharif.

Apart from the Avenfield case, the Sharifs face jail terms if they are convicted in two more corruption cases related to the Al-Azizia and the Flagship Investment cases.

The cases against the family stemmed from the Panama Papers case in April 2016. &nbsp;

Pakistan's deposed prime minister Nawaz Sharif's lawyers on Friday urged an accountability court to take notice of Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry's statement claiming the PML-N party supremo will "definitely go to prison again".

Pakistan's deposed prime minister Nawaz Sharif's lawyers on Friday urged an accountability court to take notice of Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry's statement claiming the PML-N party supremo will "definitely go to prison again". A top Pakistani court last month suspended the jail sentences of Sharif, his daughter Maryam and son-in-law Captain (retd) Mohammad Safdar in the Avenfield corruption case, one of the three corruption cases faced by the three-time prime minister. The trio were released from a jail following the court order. Sharif's lawyers Khawaja Haris and Zubair Khalid asked Accountability Judge Arshad Malik to take cognizance of Chaudhry's remarks on the Hill Metal Establishment case, in which the minister had stated that the former premier would go to prison again, Dawn newspaper reported. Haris said that the court should take action against "the minister giving statements about you [the court] and Nawaz Sharif's arrest. This falls in your jurisdiction and you should take action against it." "If action is not taken against this, it would create problems for the court," he said. To this, Judge Malik said: "Was Chaudhry's statement general or was it a statement specifically targeting the court?" He also told Haris and Khalid to file a written petition in court and attach a clipping of the news report that contains the reported statement of Chaudhry. Speaking on Geo News on Thursday, Chaudhry had said that everyone knows the facts of the Hill Metal Establishment case and that Sharif, chief of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz party, will "definitely go to prison again". After Haris and Khalid's remarks in court were reported, Chaudhry tweeted from his official account and said: "Had Khawaja Haris is a senior lawyer, and had he not taken millions in fees [from Nawaz Sharif's family] even he would have admitted that Nawaz Sharif should be punished. It is unfortunate that such fool-proof cases take years to be completed," the minister said. He added: "The Opposition neither has any leadership nor any vision, they are only playing politics to save their money and more than fifty of them will go to jail." On the orders of the Supreme Court, the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) filed three corruption cases against the 68-year-old Sharif. Apart from the Avenfield case, the Sharifs face jail terms if they are convicted in two more corruption cases related to the Al-Azizia and the Flagship Investment cases. The cases against the family stemmed from the Panama Papers case in April 2016.

Nawaz Sharif objects to 'back to jail' comments of Pakistan info minister

Pakistan's deposed premier Nawaz Sharif's PML-N recovered some ground in the by-elections by eating up the votes of prime minister Imran Khan's PTI, winning four out of 11 parliamentary seats which went to the polls, according to the results on Monday.

The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) lost its two seats vacated be Prime Minister Khan. His seat in Lahore was won by former premier Shahid Khaqan Abbasi of the Pakistan Muslims League-Nawaz (PML-N) and in Bannu by of Zahid Akram Durrani of the Muttahida Majlis Aml party.

The outcome of the by-election will not impact the federal or provincial government but help reinvigorate the opposition parties.

Polling for 11 National Assembly -- the lower house of Parliament -- and 24 provincial seats saw a tough competition between the ruling PTI led by Khan and the main opposition PML-N.

The PML-N and the PTI won four seats each of the National Assembly whereas Pakistan Muslims League-Quadi won two seats and Muttahida Majlis Amal one seat, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) said.

The PTI won 11 seats of the provincial assemblies while the PML-N won seven. The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), led by former president Asif Ali Zardari, and Awami National Party won two each and independent candidates grab two seats.

The PML-N won six out of 11 contested seats in Punjab while its arch-rival PTI won five. The PML-N also won a provincial assembly seat in Khyber-Pakhtukhwa, which is the stronghold of the PTI.

The PML-N won several seats vacated by the PTI candidates during July 25 general elections including at least two seats of the National Assembly.

According to the ECP, 9.28 million voters were eligible to vote. For the first time, overseas Pakistanis also participated in the elections though a special online portal designed by the ECP.

Thousands of army soldiers, police and paramilitary Rangers and Frontier Corps were deployed to provide security at 7,489 polling stations.

The ECP had designated as many as 1,727 polling stations as highly sensitive where extra troops were deployed and security cameras installed.

Most of the seats which went to the polls were vacated by those candidates who had won on more than one seat during the July 25 general elections. Prime Minister Khan had won five seats and vacated four which were also up for grabs.&nbsp;

Pakistan's deposed premier Nawaz Sharif's PML-N recovered some ground in the by-elections by eating up the votes of prime minister Imran Khan's PTI, winning four out of 11 parliamentary seats which went to the polls, according to the results on Monday.

Pakistan's deposed premier Nawaz Sharif's PML-N recovered some ground in the by-elections by eating up the votes of prime minister Imran Khan's PTI, winning four out of 11 parliamentary seats which went to the polls, according to the results on Monday. The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) lost its two seats vacated be Prime Minister Khan. His seat in Lahore was won by former premier Shahid Khaqan Abbasi of the Pakistan Muslims League-Nawaz (PML-N) and in Bannu by of Zahid Akram Durrani of the Muttahida Majlis Aml party. The outcome of the by-election will not impact the federal or provincial government but help reinvigorate the opposition parties. Polling for 11 National Assembly -- the lower house of Parliament -- and 24 provincial seats saw a tough competition between the ruling PTI led by Khan and the main opposition PML-N. The PML-N and the PTI won four seats each of the National Assembly whereas Pakistan Muslims League-Quadi won two seats and Muttahida Majlis Amal one seat, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) said. The PTI won 11 seats of the provincial assemblies while the PML-N won seven. The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), led by former president Asif Ali Zardari, and Awami National Party won two each and independent candidates grab two seats. The PML-N won six out of 11 contested seats in Punjab while its arch-rival PTI won five. The PML-N also won a provincial assembly seat in Khyber-Pakhtukhwa, which is the stronghold of the PTI. The PML-N won several seats vacated by the PTI candidates during July 25 general elections including at least two seats of the National Assembly. According to the ECP, 9.28 million voters were eligible to vote. For the first time, overseas Pakistanis also participated in the elections though a special online portal designed by the ECP. Thousands of army soldiers, police and paramilitary Rangers and Frontier Corps were deployed to provide security at 7,489 polling stations. The ECP had designated as many as 1,727 polling stations as highly sensitive where extra troops were deployed and security cameras installed. Most of the seats which went to the polls were vacated by those candidates who had won on more than one seat during the July 25 general elections. Prime Minister Khan had won five seats and vacated four which were also up for grabs.

Nawaz Sharif's PML-N improves showing in Pakistan by-polls; Imran Khan's PTI front runner

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