Health issues force PM Shehbaz to prolong stay in London.

LONDON -- Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif Saturday postponed his departure to Pakistan citing physical exhaustion, family sources said, as his hectic schedule during his stay in London took a toll on his health.

The premier, who arrived in London a few days ago after attending the COP27 meeting in Egypt, was scheduled to leave for Pakistan on Friday, but he extended his stay by one day.

According to sources close to the Sharif family, PM Shehbaz developed a fever before leaving for the airport on Saturday and his family advised him not to travel, so he extended his stay for a second time.

Family sources further said that the younger Sharif could stay in London for two more days.

It should be recalled that PM Shehbaz held several meetings with PML-N supremo and his elder brother Nawaz Sharif during his stay in London. The meetings were mostly focused on the country's politics and the appointment of a new army chief.

Earlier on Friday, in a setback, PM Shehbaz's request for an indefinite adjournment in the Daily Mail defamation case has been denied by a court in the United Kingdom.

Justice Matthew Nicklin heard the case, according to British media, which also reported that the court denied more time to the applicant, PM Shehbaz, whose hands are full with the PTI's long march.

The PM's counsels, in their reply to the court, said the prime minister was currently engaged in professional responsibilities and the court was requested that he be granted time to submit the answers.

To this, Justice Nicklin said, "in his court, the prime minister and the common...