Nawaz Sharif to be shifted to hospital due to 'cardiac issues'

Pakistan’s caretaker government on Sunday decided to immediately shift former prime minister Nawaz Sharif to the intensive care unit of the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) in Islamabad from Adiala Jail following reports of heart problem, an official said.

Sharif, 68, is serving a 10-year jail term in connection with the Avenfield Apartments in the Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi since July 13.

The decision was taken by the Punjab government which has administrative control of the Adiala jail after a team of doctors led by Dr Naeem Malik, head of the PIMs cardiology department recommended that Sharif needed proper medication and care.

Sharif’s blood tests report showed clotting which, according to the doctors, was an alarming sign considering his medical history. The PML-N party leader lives with diabetes and has also undergo heart surgery in 2016.

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"Sharif will be shifted to Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences in Islamabad where preparations have been made to keep the high-profile prisoner," Punjab Home Minister Shaukat Javed said.

Last week, it was reported that Sharif is on the verge of a kidney failure and doctors have recommended to shift him to a hospital immediately. However, Sharif refused to be moved to a hospital and insisted that medical treatment be provided to him in prison.

Earlier, a team of doctors headed by Dr Ejaz Qadeer and comprising cardiologist Dr Naeem Malik, Medical Specialist Dr Shaji Siddiqui, neurologist Dr Sohail Tanvir and Dr Mashood carried out medical check-up of Sharif after he complained of pain in chest.

Apparently, his ECG and blood report were not satisfactory, which prompted the doctors to advise shifting to the hospital.

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Last week, PML-N president Shehbaz Sharif wrote a letter to caretaker Punjab government seeking better facilities for them at Adiala Jail.

Shehbaz had asked the authorities to ensure continuous provision of medicines and medical examination to Nawaz Sharif from his personal doctor.

(With inputs from agencies)