LAHORE: While the former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s health is stable for now, doctors say that they have to maintain “a very delicate balance” while treating him.
“Thankfully, today he is fine and talking normally,” Professor Dr. Fatima Khanum told Arab News over the phone, “But he is diabetic, hypertensive and has a heart disease, which are some complications.”
Dr. Khanum is a part of the 10-member medical board constituted by the Punjab government on October 23 to monitor Sharif’s health after he was rushed to the state-run Services Hospital in Lahore last week as his health deteriorated.
The three-time premier was previously in prison, serving a seven-year sentence in connection to charges of corruption. Earlier this month, he was shifted to the custody of the anti-graft body for probe into another case of alleged corruption and money laundering.
While undergoing treatment at the hospital, Sharif suffered angina pain. When the doctors gave the politician medicines for his heart, his palette count fell under 30,000, Dr. Khanum explained. “When a platelet count decreases it leads to bleeding in a patient,” the doctor said, “And that is what happened in his case. There were rashes and marks on his skin.” Platelets are cells that help with the formation of a blood clot in a body. A normal count can range from 150,000 to 400,000.
For now, the medical board has discontinued his heart medication till his platelet count increases. “We are trying to maintain a very delicate balance,” the doctor added.
The board meets every day from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and prepares an updated report of the former prime minister’s health. This morning, Dr. Adnan Khan, the personal physician of Nawaz Sharif, who is also part of the medical board, raised alarm when he tweeted that the 69-year-old Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz leader was “critically unwell, is fighting the battle for his health and life.”
Doctors maintaining a delicate balance while treating Nawaz Sharif
Doctors maintaining a delicate balance while treating Nawaz Sharif
- Nawaz Sharif is critically unwell, fighting the battle for his health and life, says his personal physician
- Three-time premier is serving a seven-year sentence in connection to charges of corruption
Pakistan PM calls for faster CPEC implementation, pledges security for Chinese workers
- Shehbaz Sharif pushes expanded cooperation in agriculture, IT and mining under CPEC phase two
- Chinese envoy reaffirms Beijing’s support for Pakistan’s sovereignty and economic development
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday called for speeding up projects under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and pledged stronger security guarantees for Chinese workers and investments, during a meeting with China’s ambassador in Islamabad.
Sharif made the remarks as the two countries strive to launch the second phase of CPEC, a multibillion-dollar infrastructure and energy initiative launched in 2015 as part of China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
CPEC’s first phase focused largely on power generation and transport infrastructure aimed at easing Pakistan’s chronic energy shortages and improving connectivity. The second phase seeks to expand cooperation into industrial development, with an emphasis on special economic zones and export-oriented growth.
“While highlighting the importance of accelerating ongoing CPEC projects, the Prime Minister stressed on the need to enhance cooperation in agriculture and IT and mining & minerals,” said a statement circulated by the PM Office after the meeting.
“He also underscored Pakistan’s resolve to provide a secure and conducive environment for Chinese personnel, investments, and institutions in Pakistan,” it added.
Chinese nationals and projects in Pakistan have faced security threats in the past, including attacks by militant groups targeting infrastructure sites and convoys. Islamabad has repeatedly vowed to tighten security and has deployed special protection units for Chinese workers.
China is Pakistan’s closest ally in the region and a key economic partner, with CPEC widely regarded by Islamabad as central to long-term economic growth.
During the meeting, the prime minister conveyed greetings to Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang, particularly on the occasion of the Chinese New Year.
China’s Ambassador to Pakistan, Jiang Zaidong, reiterated Beijing’s support for Pakistan’s sovereignty and socioeconomic development, according to the statement. Both sides also exchanged views on regional and international issues and agreed to maintain close coordination.
