Zardari and Sharif unwell, hospitalised

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan government faced criticism this week after two major opposition leaders were moved from the jail cells to hospital as their health suddenly deteriorated, sparking speculation that perhaps their lives were being put at risk for political motives.

Former president and PPP chief Asif Ali Zardari was taken to the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences on Tuesday for treatment and lab tests on the recommendation of a medical board in Adiala jail.

At the hospital, he was shifted to the cardiology department following a medical examination.

Zardari had earlier told an accountability court that he was diabetic, suffered from cardiac ailments and needed medical care. The court, however, had rejected the plea seeking his transfer to a hospital.

Meanwhile, former prime minister Nawaz Sharif continued to be in a serious condition on Tuesday, prompting his son Hussain to allege that his father was being poisoned in jail, The Dawn reported.

Pakistan PM Imran Khan has directed the Punjab government to ensure he gets the best possible medical care, reports said.

Sharif, who is lodged in Lahore’s Kot Lakhpat jail on corruption charges, was taken to Lahore Services Hospital on Monday after a sudden drop in platelet count.

A board of doctors, headed by principal Ayaz Mahmood, decided to give Sharif a transfusion of “three mega units of platelets... to save his life”. Mahmood said by Tuesday evening, Sharif’s platelets count had increased considerably.

After the transfusion, despite multiple tests, doctors couldn’t determine the reason behind the drop in platelet count.