LAHORE: In the backdrop of former prime minister Nawaz Sharif’s application in the Supreme Court seeking permission to fly abroad for treatment, Punjab Information Minister Samsam Bukhari said it should be seen what new example is set.

In a statement issued here on Saturday, Mr Bukhari said the government had nothing to do with giving or denying permission to Mr Sharif, as only the court could allow him to go abroad for treatment.

“If Mr Sharif is allowed to go abroad, then all 12,000 prisoners should be allowed to avail medical treatment from abroad,” he added.

Mr Bukhari said the facility that Mr Sharif is demanding to seek treatment abroad while under detention was not even available to former president retired Gen Pervez Musharraf. The Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf government’s speculations had proved true that Nawaz Sharif’s only objective was to go abroad, he said, adding that the Sharif family during its three-decade rule could not establish a hospital that could treat their ailments.

The minister said that cases were being heard when Mr Musharraf and former finance minister Ishaq Dar went abroad, but in the case of Nawaz Sharif, a crime had been proved and punishment announced. “Is there only one doctor and one clinic where Mr Sharif can be treated?” he asked.

Published in Dawn, April 28th, 2019