Former prime minister (PM) Nawaz Sharif, who was allowed to leave the country for treatment despite his conviction and subsequent imprisonment in a National Accountability Bureau (NAB) case against him, has been advised to engage in physical activity and take daily walks as lockdown rules have eased in the United Kingdom (UK).
Two days after Nawaz’s personal physician Dr Adnan Khan said that the ex-PM had been in self-quarantine due to his vulnerable age and a history of cardiovascular and metabolic disease, he was seen taking a walk at a park in London, which according to Adnan, had been advised by his doctors in the UK.
“Now, as lockdown is eased & authorities are allowing to go out for health reasons, PM #NawazSharif is medically advised to take regular physical activity & should manage walks daily for physical well-being as essential in the management of Heart Disease, Diabetes & Hypertension,” Dr Adnan had tweeted earlier this week.
The picture doing rounds over the internet showed Nawaz with his son Hussain Nawaz, grandson and two others, taking a walk.
He did not have a mask on.
“Former PM Nawaz Sharif has complex cardiac and carotid artery disease with significant co-morbidities, including diabetes, hypertension and chronic renal disease,” Dr Adnan told The News.
Due to the UK government’s previous rules on lockdown amidst coronavirus pandemic, he was in self-quarantine at residence. Since the rules have been relaxed, his consulting doctors have advised him to take regular exercise and daily walks as an essential part of the disease management.
“It is very unfortunate that controversy is made when an under treatment patient is out for a walk. While there’s little doubt that the intent behind leaking the picture was mala fide, in reality, had an opposite effect and a glimpse of Nawaz Sharif infused new life into his followers and workers.”
Last week, a fresh picture of Nawaz at a roadside cafe in London had sparked a debate about his health. In the picture, he was seen sitting at the roadside eatery with his granddaughters, sporting a blue shalwar kameez and a cap. As the picture went viral on social media, it sparked a debate about the former premier’s health with his detractors asking why he does not return to Pakistan if he is well and roaming on London streets, while his supporters expressed joy at seeing their leader in good health and spirits.
Dr Adnan, who left for Pakistan two weeks ago, said that he would soon return to London, as the former PM has to undergo planned cardiac intervention and further in-hospital treatment. He said that all possible necessary precautions guided by the consultants and international health advisories have been taken by Nawaz during walks and exercises.
