Hospitalisation of Nawaz advised

E-Paper | March 15, 2026

RAWALPINDI: Ousted prime minister Nawaz Sharif fell ill on Sunday as he suffered from heart and kidney problems and a medical team recommended that he be shifted to a hospital.

A jail administration official told Dawn that the medical team, led by retired General Azhar Kiani, visited Adiala jail and after medical check-up said Mr Sharif needed to be hospitalised for immediate treatment.

He said the heartbeat of the former prime minister was irregular due to dehydration and the presence of urea in blood might affect his kidneys. He said the medical team’s recommendation had been sent to the Punjab health secretary and the caretaker government.

“The government will take a decision on it,” he said, adding that the team had been called after the former prime minister complained that he was not feeling well.

The official said that a separate medical team from the district headquarters hospital conducted a medical check-up of Mr Sharif’s son-in-law, retired Capt Muhammad Safdar, as he was suffering from ear and throat infections.

Gen Azhar Kiani, the chief executive officer of Rawalpindi Institute of Cardiology and former commandant of the Armed Forces Institute of Cardiology, was physician of former president retired Gen Pervez Musharraf.

Repeated attempts to seek his comments were unsuccessful.

Published in Dawn, July 23rd, 2018

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Akil Akhtar

Jul 23, 2018 07:39am

Every rich person who is put behind bars gets sick in Pakistan and then goes overseas for treatment never to return.....

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Yousuf

Jul 23, 2018 07:44am

"...heartbeat of the former prime minister was irregular due to dehydration and the presence of urea in blood might affect his kidneys...." Self induced dehydration can cause these systems! Interesting dynamics to get out of jail!

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Vasan

Jul 23, 2018 07:50am

Get well Mr.Sherif, you are the hope of Pakistan.

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flying star

Jul 23, 2018 07:50am

what about other prisoners healt?

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Ahmed

Jul 23, 2018 07:51am

This was expected as it is routine for high profile prisoners in Pakistan. Asif Zardari remained in hospital for many years for ailment which disappeared after his release from detention. Lately Dr Asim and Sharjeel Memon are enjoying the luxury of hospitals in Karachi.

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Orakzai.

Jul 23, 2018 07:54am

So,it means those who have looted big amount of money, All the facilities in jail will be availed to him and those who have stolen cycle or small amount of money will be deprived of jail facilities.

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Jul 23, 2018 08:02am

When I suffer from dehydration (sometimes self-inflicted as I have too much tea/coffee and not much water), no medical emergency is declared. I am asked to increase the consumption of water. This treatment does not have to be administered in a hospital, as water could be consumed anywhere without medical supervision. But, of course, the 'hukumran family' is another matter! Claims of sacrifice is one thing, taking the pain is another. As they say, don't get into the kitchen if you can't take the heat. And, if you can't do the time, don't commit the crime!

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Tiger

Jul 23, 2018 08:06am

Don't forget this is the same guy who claimed to have major heart surgery in London which was a white lie.

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Karim USA

Jul 23, 2018 08:20am

How many people have died because of load shedding during the hot season - was in not under Nawaz's watch? Now he's seeking privilege status...

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Sohail

Jul 23, 2018 08:22am

Give the nation money back and then you may go forever to London. Please.

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Uzi

Jul 23, 2018 08:23am

Here we go again. All outgoing politicians end up in hospital.

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J.A.G

Jul 23, 2018 08:31am

I work for jails in Canada and I have some suggestions for Pakistan Government. First get rid of class system in Jails, treat every prisoner equally and fairly like other civilized countries in the world. Simple solution In Nawaz Sharif case if he is sick, house him in a medical dormitory setting in the jail, monitor him regularly. Get him checked by the Jail doctor on daily basis . He can also be sent outside the Jail under escort to see a specialist and he can be brought back to the Jail right after the visit. This is how we deal with prisoners in custody who are ill.

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Tariq

Jul 23, 2018 08:34am

Yes as per expectation, these high class convicts will spend rest of term in hospital. This is no surprise as our system is largely in favour of rich, powerful and corrupt.

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MSA (USA)

Jul 23, 2018 08:34am

The same team should check all the other prisoners in the jail, and make recommendations where they should be treated. There should be no discrimination. A prisoner is a prisoner, is a prisoner.

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Mrs.khalil

Jul 23, 2018 08:36am

Why this facility is not given to other prisoners . Only politicians and bureaucrats are entitled to avail this . Tragedy of this country , where crimes has catogries for influential and poor

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A&A

Jul 23, 2018 09:00am

Please give him full medical care as we have to recover from him our looted money...

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Jamal

Jul 23, 2018 09:16am

One rule for the rich another for the poor...one jail different treatment

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Ghj

Jul 23, 2018 09:26am

These politicians get ill as soon as they are investigated or captured or in court. Common people die in jails. These people live like kings in jails.

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Ash2000

Jul 23, 2018 09:32am

Doctors should take decision and not the government or CJ. You cannot compromise with health of ex-PM.

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Salman

Jul 23, 2018 09:36am

Isn't it interesting, that they fell sick, whenever out of power and in trouble. And as soon as they come to power, all the sickness is gone. For example, first Mush, and now, Nawaz Shariff.

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Tayyab

Jul 23, 2018 09:36am

He should only be given treatment which is in accordance with the jail manuals (i-e as per law)...Remember, he is a convict now and jail should never be a place of luxury and comfort.

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Ali Khan

Jul 23, 2018 09:55am

Really?it hasn’t been a week yet. Return all corruption money and serve your time.

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Jul 23, 2018 09:58am

Govt will send him to UK for treatment.

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Dr Khan

Jul 23, 2018 10:00am

Whenever a politician is sent to prison,he or she immediately get an illness.Out side prison they look very healthy and physically fit. Such illnesses must be investigated and given a name to it !

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khanm

Jul 23, 2018 10:15am

only when it involves the legal matters ... what an excuse... please provide the same medical facility that is being provided to the inmates... trust me will be fine and healthy the next day...

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M Rafique

Jul 23, 2018 10:24am

A doctor advised hospitalization and later on another one will advised to take him to London, rest assure the doctors will be of high professional stature

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Hassan

Jul 23, 2018 10:29am

Here you go!

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Shahbaz Ahmed Tarrar

Jul 23, 2018 10:35am

I wonder whenever politicians go to jail..they become ill & sick..

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Sab

Jul 23, 2018 10:43am

Please do for all prisoners of Pakistan

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Arif

Jul 23, 2018 10:46am

Its not easy for keep a Lion in jail. He should get bail for a better treatment inside Pakistan. Just imagine the security needed if he is shifted in any government hospital and this will case problems for common man.

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Kashif

Jul 23, 2018 10:49am

Most expected. Whenever there is a politician in jail he gets some illness which needs to be treated in a hospital, I wonder whether all the prisoners been provided with this care and attention.

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Alba

Jul 23, 2018 11:02am

He had a bypass operation. There is nothing wrong with his heart. All the prisoners in Adiala jail with serious kidney problems should go to the hospital with him.

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Karim

Jul 23, 2018 11:05am

He is very ill when he has to face jail but very outspoken and healthy when attacking Iinstitutions like judiciary and armed Forces of this country.

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Arif

Jul 23, 2018 11:05am

I think other prisoners are suffering more then him in Jail. He should be their because last 30years they are ruling the country and not taken any action for jail development. They forgot that one day they will be there in future.

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Fraz

Jul 23, 2018 11:16am

Irregular heartbeat is pretty common in patients with previous cardiac surgery and not unusual. Urea is normally present in blood. Ask him to drink water. Alternatively send him to England or hospital together with millions with similar problem

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Fairplay

Jul 23, 2018 11:41am

@Fraz My friend you really hit the spot with that comment. !

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zeeshandxb

Jul 23, 2018 11:43am

Did we ever hear that a person is doing really well in jail and is healthy and in high spirits?

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Khaled Nazar

Jul 23, 2018 11:47am

Zardari developed back problems abs even produced psychiatric condition certificate in jail but never had any problems when outside These people are masters in hoodwinking and must be dealt with firmly and with an iron hand.

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Khaled Nazar

Jul 23, 2018 11:49am

@Akil Akhtar So very true

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Khaliq Aziz

Jul 23, 2018 12:02pm

get well soon Mr. Sharif

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Anwar Qureshi

Jul 23, 2018 12:19pm

Keep NS and MN in jail otherwise what is the difference between criminal and normal civilian law abiding citizen.......Let them feel what does mean the JAIL.

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Ibextechno

Jul 23, 2018 12:47pm

Why every corrupt is healthy until he is caught?

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Sid

Jul 23, 2018 12:51pm

@Fraz excellent suggestion... if he is to be hospitalised then so must all other inmates with similar conditions

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Sid

Jul 23, 2018 12:51pm

I know the cure to his problem... release from jail

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SYED HASSAN HASEEB

Jul 23, 2018 12:57pm

most of the rich criminals stay in the hospitals . its ok

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Anti-Corruption_Pakistani

Jul 23, 2018 01:03pm

It is amazing that all corrupt politicians play a poor health card during custody and when they are in prison! What about poor ordinary prisoners, who accept their sentences with integrity and serve in much poor conditions without making noises - they have more respect than corrupt and selfish politicians.

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Wajih Qidwai

Jul 23, 2018 01:07pm

Easiest way to come out of jail. What about the time when they were travelling and addressing to all over the country, they were 200% fit at that time, but now all the ailments will surfaced

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Umar Makhdumi

Jul 23, 2018 01:28pm

Hope he gets better!

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rajendra

Jul 23, 2018 01:48pm

Only NS can save Pakistan. If he is in jail then tougher days are ahead..

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YesYoucan

Jul 23, 2018 02:04pm

WHY medical team is led by a retired General ?

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Idea

Jul 23, 2018 02:13pm

Wishing you a fast recovery, PM NS. Nation needs you .

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Abdul Jabbar

Jul 23, 2018 02:50pm

Dehydration? Why isn't he advised to drink water, as everyone else is advised.

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Aman

Jul 23, 2018 03:00pm

NS should be given treatment just as it is available for any other convicted criminal

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Shahid

Jul 23, 2018 03:23pm

Hospitalization for dehydration?

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Khan

Jul 23, 2018 03:25pm

@Vasan you could say dope but certainly not hope. They have been in government from past three decades on and off, economy is in tatters still instead of doing things like education, population growth control and increasing exports all they do is borrow more and more money to build few roads that require regular maintenance hence regular borrowing. We need someone else with different mindset who can put money in human development instead, only then we can reverse this downfall.

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Omer

Jul 23, 2018 03:35pm

Shame on you all to doubt the illness .. he is nearly 70 years of, even convicts should not be treat in humanly. he is a heart patient and i know that these symptoms can occur during stress.

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Qaiser

Jul 23, 2018 03:40pm

Payback time....

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M A MUJEEB, CANADA

Jul 23, 2018 04:07pm

@Idea sorry the nation has now decided to keep the corrupt people like NS in Jail.

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BAXAR

Jul 23, 2018 04:57pm

@Vasan "you are the hope of Pakistan." A person who was absolutely fit to rule, hence in perfect health, a minute before being in a adequately comfortable quarter in jail, and gets sick in a week, cannot withstand the pressure of governance, so may not govern at all (as previously). Pakistan cannot attach its hope on such person.

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Anis Motiwala

Jul 23, 2018 07:36pm

@SK There is another way of looking at it...if you want to be hospitalized from a prison reduce water intake to the point of dehydration, your blood Urea Nitrogen will go up and will make sufficient grounds for hospitalization. It is another thing that a couple of saline transfusions will correct it but you are now out of jail and in the comforts of air conditioned private room of a hospital. Zardari remained ill for years occupying the top floor of Ziauddin Hospital Clifton...so did so many other politicians here. PIMS has taken the right decision to treat him in Adiala.....

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sughra

Jul 23, 2018 11:33pm

Simply put, the law explains: They went to jail for committing crimes. They should be treated according to the level and gravity of their crimes and not according to the level and status they enjoyed at the cost of public’s vital necessities before they got convicted. Those who grew up on undeserved beds of roses and treated the public as sub-humans hold no right to complain of an environment they truly deserve now. That is the objective of punishing the criminals so that the lessons are learnt.

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NASR

Jul 24, 2018 01:18am

I don't want to drums beating trumpets sounding on an ill person but this has been the very norms of all our politicians when lodged in Jails.

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Arnab Bardhan

Jul 24, 2018 03:33pm

I don't know weather your party will get majority vote in this Election 2018, but as a person will pray for your good health & treatment that's all.

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Najaf

Jul 24, 2018 05:56pm

@Khaled Nazar on the contrary Zardari spent 12 years in jail.

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Jawad Syed

Jul 24, 2018 06:01pm

Get well soon

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afaq

Jul 24, 2018 06:08pm

What about other thousands of prisoner who are sick if they get the same treatment.

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SUMAIRA

Jul 24, 2018 06:36pm

Manipulating dramatic acts just before bail hearing. Medical issues were not a priority while he was out of jail

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Irfan roy

Jul 24, 2018 10:18pm

It is a hgh time that he should retire from politics. There should be an age limit and how many terms some can be a PM. Country should be more important than person. He should now rest.

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Jul 24, 2018 11:37pm

@Akil Akhtar - He returned on his own free will- SIR!

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Jul 24, 2018 11:46pm

@J.A.G - I don't know what jail system you work in in Canada, they all have a class system. The president of the united states will not be put in the regular jail. Even Manuel Noriega, the Panama dictator captured by the US spent his last days in jail, which was a comfortable two bedroom suite. Please don;t misguide the readership. Good or Bad, Nawaz Sharif was the head of this country and any head needs to be treated with dignity - it doesn't reflect as much on the prisoner as it reflects on the country - treating your elected leaders, the way suggested by most of the commentators here, simply shows how venomous the country psyche has become. Keep your dignity as a country!

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Jul 25, 2018 12:02am

I was just reading in todays 'the Dawn' - 'Dream team for Gibran” by Jawed Naqvi, where he quotes in full the poem by Kahlil Gibran. For our educated patriotic commentators, I thought these two lines from the poem might be relevant:. “Pity the nation that welcomes its new ruler with trumpeting, and farewells him with hooting, only to welcome another with trumpeting again"

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Majeed at Thani

Jul 25, 2018 12:16am

Ousted? Let's face the facts. Mr Nawaz Sharif was found guilty, convicted and sent to prison to serve time. That is a little more than "ousted." Mr Sharif may be an ex-prime minister but he is now a convicted criminal serving time. Dawn, please stop defending a criminal. And, yes go ahead and "moderate" my comments out, but remember, your protests about freedom of speech sound rather hollow if not downright hypocritical. Sad to say, under Mr Hameed Haroon's tutelage Dawn has morphed into a mouthpiece for the elite speaking to the West.

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jamshed

Jul 25, 2018 12:16am

@Fraz Irregular heart beat and Premature Ventricular Contraction Contraction) is common in normal people. NS being obese who consumed rich food all his adult life brought this predicament to himself. No treatment will alleviate his condition and make him at ease at his age he is 69) unless he exercises one hour a day five days a week, loose weight but that is not going to happen as most depressed people take their frustration out on food. Good luck Mr ex PM as you are there for a long haul but only cardio exercise is your best friend and option: killing three birds with one stone eating healthy staying fit and staying out of depression through execise !!

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Chaya

Jul 25, 2018 12:33am

Aha...this was the same guy shopping 4 days after heart surgery.Ask your general Kiani how long does it take to heal a big chest wound of heart surgery?

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pathanoo

Jul 25, 2018 01:35am

@Akil Akhtar That is true with the exception of Nawaz Sharif who came back voulentairley.

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pathanoo

Jul 25, 2018 01:36am

If Nawaz Sharif's health takes a turn for worse; there would be chaos if he is not put in a hospital and tended to immediately.

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Z-USA

Jul 25, 2018 03:20am

Send him to hospital, he is a human too.

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Aravind

Jul 25, 2018 05:01am

NS is the best hope for nation. Hope he is given good health care.

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Nouman

Jul 25, 2018 10:09am

Hydration through a tube inserted through rectum can be provided within the jail. That would avoid need for a hospital visit.

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