At the outset of the proceedings.

LAHORE -- At the outset of the proceedings, Advocate General Punjab Ahmad Jamal Sukhera appeared before the bench and apprised that Nawaz Sharif was being given medical treatment as per international practices, and he could not travel abroad in his present condition.

To which, National Accountability Bureau (NAB) prosecutor argued that it would have to be determined that Nawaz Sharif could be treated in the country or not, adding that the life of everyone was precious. Prof Dr Ayaz Mehmood, head of the medical board, constituted for treatment of Nawaz Sharif, submitted that initially the board consisted of six doctors, but four more members were added to it including personal physician of Nawaz Sharif. He submitted that the board visited Nawaz Sharif thrice a day and also held meetings to decide the treatment procedure.

He submitted that Nawaz Sharif was suffering from multiple diseases including diabetics, hypertension and heart complications, amid low platelet count. He submitted that many medicines had been adjusted due to low platelet count. He submitted that the board had not been able to diagnose the disease yet; however, dengue and many other diseases had been ruled out through medical tests. "Although the body was generating platelet, they were being destroyed," he added. He further submitted that Nawaz Sharif had lost 5kg weight during the past two, three months.

To a court query, Dr Ayaz Mehmood submitted that further tests were required for diagnosing the actual disease, but these could not be done due to low platelet count. Advocate Ashtar Ausaf Ali, on behalf of the petitioner, argued that Nawaz Sharif's condition was critical in the light of a statement made by the board chief. At this, the bench adjourned the hearing till 12.30pm and asked Dr Ayaz Mehmood for filing a fresh report after holding a board meeting.

As the bench resumed hearing later, Advocate Adnan Khawaja submitted that a civil miscellaneous application had been filed on behalf of Nawaz Sharif for becoming a petitioner in the case. The bench allowed the application after NAB prosecutor submitted that he had no objection if Nawaz Sharif was allowed to become the petitioner. In response to the court directions, Dr Ayaz submitted a fresh medical report and apprised the bench about the medical history of Nawaz Sharif. He submitted that Nawaz Sharif's condition was critical, whereas low platelet count had made it more serious.

He submitted that although medication...