LHC orders for shifting Hanif Abbasi to hospital

F.P. Report

LAHORE: A Lahore High Court (LHC) division bench on Thursday ordered for shifting Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz leader, Hanif Abbasi, to Shaikh Zayed Hospital for treatment.

The division bench comprising Justice Miss Aalia Neelum and Justice Sardar Muhammad Sarfraz Dogar passed the orders on a civil miscellaneous application, filed by Hanif Abbasi seeking directions for his treatment.

At the outset of the proceedings, Abbasi’s counsel argued that his client was suffering from kidney and heart diseases and his treatment was not possible in jail. He pleaded with the court for issuance of directions for treatment of Hanif Abbasi in a hospital. However, in response to a court query, a law officer argued that Hanif Abbasi’s medical reports should be sought first. At this, the bench observed that it was a matter of human health; therefore, it was mandatory to provide medical treatment to the petitioner. The bench, while disposing of the application, ordered for shifting Mr Abbasi to Shaikh Zayed Hospital.

Meanwhile, the bench also adjourned hearing of Hanif Abbasi’s appeal against his conviction in ephedrine case till April 11.

Abbasi, through his appeal, had requested the bench to set aside his conviction and order for his release as the trial court had failed to appreciate facts of the case. He also pleaded for suspension of the sentence and release on bail till final decision on the appeal.

In July 2018, an anti-narcotics court sentenced Abbasi to life in prison in the eight-year-old ephedrine quota case.