SC dismisses Nawaz Sharif’s petition seeking bail extension in Al-Azizia reference

ISLAMABAD - The Supreme Court has rejected former premier Nawaz Sharif’s review petition seeking an extension in six-week bail granted to him in the Al-Azizia Steel Mills reference on medical grounds.

A three-member bench comprising Justice Sajjad Ali Shah and Justice Yahya Afridi headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan Justice Asif Saeed Khosa heard the petition.

The top court had granted bail to Nawaz Sharif on medical grounds on March 26 for six weeks.

On April 25, the former prime minister had submitted a review petition in the SC seeking a permanent bail.

Nawaz Sharif’s bail is set to expire on May 7.

During today’s hearing, Chief Justice Khosa remarked that the bench "will not talk about anything concerning the future".

Justice Sajjad Ali said that whatever said before the verdict was just a judicial observation. Chief Justice said to Nawaz Sharif lawyer Khawaja Haris that all the options are present for you after the six weeks.

Haris said that his client’s health has worsened after which his treatment is underway.

The top judge observed that "Doctors can comment better on his illness, adding, "This was part of the package that you can request for a bail extension after six weeks." The CJP remarked that Nawaz’s health has deteriorated after going on bail.

The SC had suspended his sentence and granted bail to the former premier for six weeks giving him the freedom to obtain medical treatment of his choice within the country.

Nawaz, thrice the prime minister of Pakistan, had been in jail since December 2018 following his conviction in Al Azizia corruption reference in line with the Supreme Court’s July 2017 verdict. An accountability court on December 24 had found the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz leader guilty in the Al Azizia Steel Mills reference and sentenced him to seven years in prison.