Former Pakistani PM Nawaz Sharif currently in hospital, fighting for his life Sharif is currently in the Services Hospital in the eastern city of Lahore and is in critical condition Former Pakistani prime minister Nawaz Sharif has been transferred from government custody to the Services Hospital on Monday night after suffering a minor heart attack and a drastic drop in his blood platelet count. Sharif's personal physician, Adnan Khan, tweeted Tuesday that he is "critically unwell." As his condition worsened, the High Court in Islamabad effectively extended his bail for two months in a corruption case to allow him access to medical care; however, Sharif remains on a "stop list," meaning he cannot leave the country. Sharif, 69, a three-time prime minister, was given a 12-year suspended prison sentence, and is serving a seven-year sentence after being convicted for corruption in 2018. He has denied all the charges, saying they are politically motivated. His lawyer, Ashtar Ausaf, has said that court authorities cannot release Sharif immediately until they hear a separate appeal set for next Tuesday. That hearing pertains to the second corruption conviction against Sharif, he added. “We are grateful to God. We are grateful to the judiciary which has granted bail to Nawaz Sharif who is facing a complicated disease,” Sharif's brother told reporters outside the court in Lahore. “I request the nation to pray for speedy recovery of its leader.” On Tuesday, supporters of former Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif celebrated the court decision in favor of their leader outside the hospital where he is receiving treatment in Lahore. Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan said on twitter that despite the political differences with Sharif, he has directed all concerned authorities to ensure he receives the best possible medical care. “Political differences notwithstanding, my sincere prayers are with Nawaz Sharif for his health. I have directed all concerned to ensure provision of the best possible health care and medical treatment to him.” — Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) October 24, 2019 Sharif, Pakistan's longest-serving prime minister, is a political survivor who has repeatedly roared back to the country's top office, underscoring the unpredictable nature of Pakistani politics. A hugely wealthy steel tycoon from Punjab, Pakistan's wealthiest province, he was considered strong on the economy and infrastructure, but inherited sagging finances and a stifling energy crisis when he was elected for the third time in 2013. Seen as a pragmatist in the West, he raised eyebrows by calling for peace talks with the Pakistani Taliban, blamed for killing thousands of Pakistanis since 2002. He earned a reputation for combativeness during his two previous terms as prime minister, from 1990 to 1993 – when he was sacked, also on corruption charges – and from 1997 to 1999, when he was deposed by the powerful military.
