LAHORE: Former prime minister Nawaz Sharif was released from Kot Lakhpat Jail on Tuesday night after the Supreme Court suspended his sentence in Al-Azizia reference for six weeks and granted him bail on medical grounds.
PML-N senior leader Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhry received Nawaz Sharif at Kot Lakhpat Jail after presenting the court orders to the jail administration. Before leaving the prison premises, former premier mixed up with the jail staff and thanked the administration.
After the release, the ousted premier arrived at his Jati Umra residence where PML-N President Shahbaz Sharif along with senior party leaders welcomed him.
He was driven through a massive crowd of supporters, some showering rose petals on the vehicle while others waved party flags and chanted slogans. A large number of PML-N supporters also gathered outside his residence to welcome their leader.
The apex court on Tuesday granted outed premier Nawaz Sharif bail for six weeks, suspending his sentence and allowing him to obtain medical treatment of his choice within the country.
A three-judge bench of the Supreme Court headed by Chief Justice Asif Saeed Khosa had reserved the decision after Sharif's lawyer and NAB prosecutors completed their arguments.
The court subsequently directed Sharif to deposit two surety bonds worth Rs5 million each. The former premier will receive medical treatment and surrender his custody after six weeks.
The Islamabad High Court on February 25 had dismissed Nawaz Sharif’s petition seeking bail and suspension of seven year sentence in Al-Azizia reference on medical grounds.
Earlier, his daughter Maryam Nawaz took to Twitter to thank her fans for all their support, saying :"Insha’Allah, MNS [Mian Nawaz Sharif] will be home soon. Want to take this opportunity to thank Allah and then every PMLN supporter. You guys were instrumental in keeping my spirits and hopes high. I have no words to express my gratitude. May Allah bless you all profusely. Ameen."
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