Punjab govt receives Nawaz request for bail extension

LAHORE: The Punjab Home Department has received an application from convicted premier Nawaz Sharif, requesting the government to extend his bail period.

According to sources, the Islamabad High Court (IHC) had directed Nawaz Sharif to seek Punjab government’s permission for further relief, if required, under Section 401(2) of the Code of Criminal Procedure.

In its verdict, the court had declared that until the provincial government decides the matter, the bail would remain in effect, adding that the court order would cease to exist immediately if the government decides against extending the bail period. According to the court order, Nawaz may apply for the extension of bail to the Punjab government.

Provincial Minister of Law, Parliamentary Affairs and Social Welfare Raja Basharat has said the Home Department has received a request from Nawaz Sharif, along with medical reports, with regard to his extension of stay abroad. The medical reports in this regard have been released by foreign and Pakistani labs. Talking to the media outside the Punjab Assembly on Tuesday, he said Rana Sanaullah's bail was granted by a court of law and the impression that the accused was released for not furnishing evidence against him was not correct.