Skip to content 
Search

Latest Stories

Pakistan wants former prime minister Nawaz Sharif returned from Britain

Pakistan on Tuesday (3) said it wrote to British authorities seeking the return of former prime minister Nawaz Sharif, who flew to London for medical treatment in 2019 after a court granted him indefinite bail on medical grounds.

Sharif, a former three times prime minister, was ousted over corruption allegations in 2017 and was serving a seven years prison term before the Lahore High Court granted him an indefinite bail on medical grounds, after which he flew to Britain for medical treatment.


Pakistan cannot seek Sharif's extradition because it has no extradition treaty with Britain, the foreign office said.

"A letter to bring back Nawaz Sharif's has been written through foreign office... This letter was a legal formality to bring him back to the country, which has been sent", advisor to prime minister Imran Khan on information and broadcasting Firdous Ashiq Awan said at a press conference.

According to the bail terms, Sharif was required to send his medical reports to a medical board set up by the court, which would then determine if his bail could be extended -- but Sharif has sent no such information, Awan said.

"The medical board demands his medical report, but he sends letters and certificates, there is a difference in medical report and letters", she said.

Sharif's doctor last year claimed that he suffered a minor heart attack and was "fighting for his life" in prison.

Sharif's younger brother Shehbaz Sharif, the leader of the opposition, said in a statement that the Pakistani government "has no legal authority" to write such a letter to Britain.

"It is an absolute immoral and irrational act, the government's haste reveals its criminal and malicious intentions," the statement read.

Former PM Sharif, 70, known as the "Lion of Punjab", 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, Sharif earned a reputation for combativeness during his first two 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.

His first two terms were marked by a strong economy and infrastructure growth.

However Sharif inherited a country with sagging finances and a stifling energy crisis when he was elected for the third time in 2013.

Sharif blamed the security establishment for again targeting him in 2017 when the Supreme Court disqualified him from politics for life over graft allegations, which he denies.

He later received a seven-year jail sentence.

Prime minister Imran Khan, who defeated Sharif's party in 2018 general election, has since launched a high-profile and controversial anti-corruption drive that has targeted several leaders of Sharif's party.

More For You

National Trust sets vision to heal
nature and engage more Asians

Lisa Nandy, Steve Reed, René Olivieri and Hilary McGrady at a National Trust event marking its 130th anniversary

National Trust sets vision to heal nature and engage more Asians

THE National Trust, which is seeking to broaden its appeal to British Asians, is marking its 130th anniversary with a renewed commitment to restoring nature and widening access under a 10-year strategy.

Its director-general, Hilary McGrady, also aims to inspire more people to get involved in caring for the country’s natural resources.

Keep ReadingShow less
 7/7 bombings

The King said the public should draw on the 'extraordinary courage and compassion' shown in response to the attacks. (Photo credit: X/@RoyalFamily)

Starmer and King Charles pay tribute on 20th anniversary of 7/7 bombings

PRIME MINISTER Keir Starmer and King Charles on Monday paid tribute to the unity shown in the aftermath of the 7 July bombings in London, as the country marked 20 years since the attacks.

On 7 July 2005, four Islamist extremists carried out suicide bombings at Aldgate Station, Edgware Road, King's Cross and Tavistock Square. The attacks killed 52 people and injured hundreds more.

Keep ReadingShow less
Navroop Singh

Navroop Singh was convicted of five charges including rape and was sentenced on July 4 at Isleworth Crown Court. (Photo credit: Metropolitan Police)

Man jailed for life over rape and attempted rape in west London

A 24-year-old man has been sentenced to life in prison for rape, attempted rape and firearm offences following a Metropolitan Police investigation in west London.

Navroop Singh, of Mellow Lane East, Hayes, was convicted of five charges including rape and was sentenced on Friday, July 4 at Isleworth Crown Court. He must serve a minimum of 14 years.

Keep ReadingShow less
Lepra

'The 100 Club offers a powerful way to support and scale-up this work,' said the organisers.

Lepra launches 100 Club to support community-based leprosy detection

LEPRA launched its first high-value giving network, the 100 Club, on June 26. The event was held at Quilon Restaurant in London and brought together philanthropists, business leaders and supporters of the charity’s work.

The event was hosted by Kalpesh Solanki, Group Managing Editor of Asian Media Group and President of the 100 Club. Remarks were delivered by Lepra’s Chair of Trustees Suzanne McCarthy and CEO Jimmy Innes, who spoke about the organisation’s ASPIRE project.

Keep ReadingShow less
family-centre-iStock

Currently, one in four families with children under five do not have access to local children’s centres or Family Hubs. (Representational image: iStock)

£500 million plan to expand family services across England

THE UK government has announced the nationwide rollout of Best Start Family Hubs across every local authority, aiming to support 500,000 more children by 2028.

The hubs are intended to offer easier access to family services and reduce pressure on parents.

Keep ReadingShow less