LHC orders to shift imprisoned Hanif Abbasi to hospital

LAHORE - The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Thursday ordered to shift Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz leader, Hanif Abbasi, to Shaikh Zayed Hospital for treatment.

A division bench comprising Justice Miss Aalia Neelum and Justice Sardar Muhammad Sarfraz Dogar issued the directives on a civil miscellaneous application, filed by Hanif Abbasi seeking directions for his treatment.

At the outset of the proceedings, Abbasi's counsel argued that his client was suffering from kidney and heart diseases and his treatment was not possible in jail, pleading for issuance of orders for treatment of Hanif Abbasi in a hospital.

However, in response to a court query, a law officer argued that Hanif Abbasi's medical reports should be sought first.

https://en.dailypakistan.com.pk/headline/ephedrine-quota-case-against-hanif-abbasi-court-to-announce-verdict-today/

At this, the bench observed that it was a matter of health; therefore, it was mandatory to provide medical treatment to the petitioner. The bench, while disposing of the application, ordered for shifting Mr Abbasi to Shaikh Zayed Hospital.

Moreover, the bench also adjourned hearing of Hanif Abbasi's appeal against his conviction in ephedrine case till April 11.

In July 2018, the Control of Narcotics Substances (CNS) court sentenced Abbasi to life in prison in the ephedrine quota case. Abbasi, the PML-N’s candidate for Rawalpindi’s NA-60 at the time, could not contest election after the judgment.

He was shifted to the Adiala jail following the court orders in which he was 'found guilty of selling 500kg ephedrine illegally to narcotics smugglers'. The PML-N leader was fined Rs1 million.

The court, which announced its decision after six years, acquitted seven other accused in the case on the pretext of the benefit of the doubt.