SC hears Nawaz Sharif's bail petition on medical grounds
Last updated on: 26 March,2019 12:58 pm
A three-member bench headed by (CJP) Justice Asif Saeed Khosa will take up Nawaz Sharif's appeal.
ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – The Supreme Court today is hearing a bail petition filed by former premier Nawaz Sharif on medical grounds in Al-Azizia case, after he was rejected a bail by the Islamabad High Court (IHC).
A three-member bench headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan Asif Saeed Khosa – also comprising of Justice Sajjad Ali Shah and Justice Yahya Afridi – presided over hearing of Sharif’s appeal against a Feb 25 Islamabad High Court (IHC) decision to reject his bail on medical grounds.
Dr Lawrence’s letter, written to Sharif’s personal physical Dr Adnan, had been submitted in court today. The letter, submitted by Sharif’s lawyer Khawaja Haris, included Nawaz’s medical history from 2003-2019.
However, Justice Khosa remarked that the letter has been written for a person named ‘Adnan’ and not the court.
“What is the legal value of this letter?” he asked, adding that the letter was a private correspondence between "Person A and Person B".
“The previous petition filed on merit basis was withdrawn,” he went on to say.
To which, Sharif’s defence Haris argued that the matter of his client’s health came after the previous petition was filed. Five medical boards had been formed to examine his health, and all boards recommended shifting him to a hospital for treatment, he said.
“On Jan 30, the PIC board recommended formation of a bigger medical board that suggested admitting Sharif to a hospital with availability of treatment of multiple diseases,” he further told the court.
"How can this letter be presented as evidence?" the CJP asked.
Sharif s lawyer clarified that he was "not depending upon the letter" in this case.
Justice Khosa asked if the petitioner had any other "proof" of Nawaz’s deteriorating health apart from Dr Lawrence’s letter.
"You are building your case on medical grounds and all we have is Dr Lawrence’s letter. Should we believe Dr Lawrence’s letter as it is?
Earlier on the day, a circular was issued regarding security measures at the Supreme Court.
Due to limited seating in Court no. 1, special passes were provided to regulate the entry in court house and only lawyers, petitioners, parties and journalists were allowed to witness the hearing.