Shahbaz asks govt not to remove AC from Nawaz’s cell
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LAHORE: PML-N President Shahbaz Sharif has asked the Punjab government to refrain from removing the air-conditioner from the prison cell of former prime minister Nawaz Sharif as it will be violation of the medical board’s recommendations and adversely affect his already fragile health.
In a letter to the chief secretary on Saturday, the opposition leader in the National Assembly said attempts were being made to put the life of three-time premier in danger. He said the Punjab government had written to the IG Prisons to remove the air-conditioner in the cell of Nawaz Sharif.
Prime Minister Imran Khan had also declared during his visit to the US that he would have the air-conditioner and TV removed from the cell of Nawaz Sharif, he said. He said that according to the medical board constituted by the Buzdar administration, the room temperature of the cell of Nawaz Sharif at the Kot Lakhpat jail (where he is serving seven-year imprisonment in Al-Azizia Mills case) should be maintained at a comfortable level to prevent dehydration and possible deterioration of renal functions.
“I am appalled at the callousness depicted by the Home Department for omitting this pivotal point about Nawaz Sharif’s medical condition while writing to the IG Prisons asking him to remove facilities accorded to prisoners under the guise of impartial treatment,” he said and added that the blatant attempt at his life “shrouded in procedural vagueness reeks of political vendetta as the letter cites PM Khan’s wishes as the motive of the said correspondence.”
Shahbaz Sharif said the recommendations of the medical board of the Punjab government should be followed in letter and spirit and no political pressure be allowed to “contravene the rights of Nawaz Sharif.”
Meanwhile, Shahbaz Sharif and PML-N vice-president Maryam Nawaz met Nawaz Sharif in the jail. A good number of PML-N workers gathered outside the jail and chanted slogans in favour of their leadership and against Imran Khan and the PTI government.
Maryam Nawaz condemned the arrest of Irfan Saddiqui, former adviser to the Nawaz Sharif government.
“Shameful images. Sharam kero. And I am telling you, Jaali, Dummy Hakoomat is not behind the arrest. It is someone else & I know the nexus,” she tweeted.
PML-N Secretary General Ahsan Iqbal said: “His arrest only shows the meanness of IK government. Mr Irfan Siddiqui is an honourable man such political victimisation of opponents only adds to their stature for holding on to their principled stand.”
Published in Dawn, July 28th, 2019
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Comments (97) Closed
Jul 28, 2019 08:01am
If the medical report and the government’s own doctors are recommending the AC then there is no harm to allow it.
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Jul 28, 2019 08:20am
Not a political vendetta for Nawaz Shrief But justice. Is he not a convicted Felon serving jail?
Why should he be treated differently than other prisoners?
Would not the rest of prisoners think that government is biased towards them? Think about it!
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Jul 28, 2019 08:20am
Govt should give AC facility to all heart patients of jail.
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Jul 28, 2019 08:25am
I do not belong to any political party but i request to Imran Khan please don't do this. Enough is Enough look he and his family are already paying the price now you should be nice and please don't remove his air condition and TV away from him may be he has done few good things for Pakistan too,and don't forget once upon a time he was our Badsha
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Jul 28, 2019 08:29am
Shahbaz Sharif said the recommendations of the medical board of the Punjab government should be followed in letter and spirit
So no more home cooked fatty foods like siri payaa, no more biryani for Nawaz Sharif. As for temperatures, a comfortable temperature according to Nawaz Sharif or according to the jail standards? And what about the thousands of people who are jailed and serious medical conditions? What about them?
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Jul 28, 2019 08:32am
Nawaz and Shahbaz Sharif, ever since they have been in politics, and have been ruling Punjab and the country, not once that either one ever stood for the sick people in jail, never once they ever tried to add air conditioning for the sick convicts, never ever wanted boards and medical teams for the sick, Nawaz gets sick, everything becomes important according to medial board. Nice try Shahbaz and Nawaz
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Jul 28, 2019 08:33am
"The room temperature of the cell of Nawaz Sharif at the Kot Lakhpat jail should be maintained at a comfortable level to prevent dehydration and possible deterioration of renal functions."
If you can't do the time, don't do the crime. Put him with general population, he shouldn't be getting VIP treatment.
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Jul 28, 2019 08:34am
In the ‘final days’ of the Ottoman Empire one Sultan Hamid was removed and released after he had returned most of the stolen wealth kept overseas. Yet, he did not disclose nor return unknown amount; who knows what happened to that upon his death. Unlike the tracking and recovery of European wealth confiscated by the Germans, no one has searched unclaimed assets held by other ‘criminals’ - in Switzerland, UK, and elsewhere.
Relate the continuation of the A/C etc to the FAMILY disclosing and returning looted wealth.
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Jul 28, 2019 08:49am
The provision of such facilities like AC, food and additional facilities are the prerogatives of Jail Superintendant and NOT PM and that too in a foreign soil. Further, the Jail Manual was enacted almost 150 years and needs updating.
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Jul 28, 2019 08:55am
He is in a jail, not in a hotel. There should be no AC in a jail?
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Jul 28, 2019 08:58am
If Nawaz’s family is so worried about his health than why don’t they pay the money???
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Jul 28, 2019 09:00am
There were furnaces and there were cries of those thrown into them. Times change.
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Jul 28, 2019 09:03am
Why not? is he a special creation.
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Jul 28, 2019 09:10am
"temperature of the cell of Nawaz Sharif at the Kot Lakhpat jail should be maintained at a comfortable level to prevent dehydration and possible deterioration of renal functions."
To prevent dehydration and renal failure, Mr Sharif should be provided with adequate supply of water and appropriate food. Air conditioner is not necessary.
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Jul 28, 2019 09:24am
What about other prisoners! Shouldn't they be treated equally, be it IK!
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Jul 28, 2019 09:26am
Pakistan being pushed into ‘71 like situation.Somebody is trying to humiliate the most popular and highest vote getter in Pakistan in general and Punjab in particular.Nation will definitely pay the price for these national crimes.
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Jul 28, 2019 09:30am
Tell Nawaz to return massive money of this nation that he looted and illegally sent abroad.
By the way, can't you see other prisoners in far worse condition than Nawaz?
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Jul 28, 2019 09:31am
First of all Nawaz sharif returned the looted wealth of this poor country and then ask for any lieniency.
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Jul 28, 2019 09:35am
If he is not entitled to AC then it must be removed.
He must return the looted money and enjoy a free life without a need for begging for an AC. Otherwise install AC to criminals who have committed murders because looting public exchequer is worse than any other crime.
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Jul 28, 2019 09:36am
Nawaz should be accorded the same facilities as other prisoners with similar needs & health conditions.
There ought not be any discrimination or favouritism whatsoever.
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Jul 28, 2019 09:46am
Correction notice to all PMLN lovers, Mr. Sharif is a "Siberian Lion" not to be mixed with a common-type of lions who can withstand heat. He needs constant pampering in the form of rich diet and a cool environment.
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Jul 28, 2019 09:53am
within the eyes of the law, all inmates are equal. Nawaz committed serious crimes of corruption and bribery, he should be treated as such. No exceptions.
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Jul 28, 2019 09:55am
very funny
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Jul 28, 2019 10:03am
It is sad that NS will not have AC and TV anymore. If during his terms he had worked for the people and not on amassing illegal wealth besides common people even the condition of prisons would have been better.
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Jul 28, 2019 10:09am
Does every convict in Pakistan with a medical condition get an AC in prison? Same rule for all !
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Jul 28, 2019 10:17am
Give the looted money back and he can leave jail. Everyone else convicted of such crimes cannot escape jail term. Quit while you still can.
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Jul 28, 2019 10:24am
This whole concept of Jail facilities being divided into A, B and C category needs to be established. The only difference should be in terms of securing the facilities based on white collar crime vs. violent offenders. Besides that every prisoner should be treated the same with few exceptions.
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Jul 28, 2019 10:38am
I think it is time to make sure that everyone is treated equally in Pakistan and no one is given special privileges. One country, one jail manual. This will ensure that the services that common people get will improve.
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Jul 28, 2019 10:38am
Kudos to Imran for revealing the true face of these scums. A leader should be able to sympathize with the conditions of the masses which these goons have no idea about. Pity that nawaz wanted to declare himself 'ameer ul momineen.' More like 'ameer ul panama-neen.'
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Jul 28, 2019 10:44am
How many innocent people in Pakistan who have not committed any crime have AC in their homes?
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Jul 28, 2019 10:53am
Does the other convicted thieves also have AC in jails across Pakistan?
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Jul 28, 2019 10:55am
Why he is special treatment rest of prisoners also human so they also supply similar facilities.
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Jul 28, 2019 11:03am
why not to remove, must be removed treat him like the rest of the prisoners
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Jul 28, 2019 11:22am
Did they ever proivde ac to prisoners during their government. If yes then they deserve it.
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Jul 28, 2019 11:41am
They will not return money unless all the VIP facilities are taken away
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Jul 28, 2019 11:44am
Interestingly every second person in PMLN or directly or indirectly connected are honest..What could be more cruel joke with nation than this one...
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Jul 28, 2019 11:56am
Return the looted wealth and nawaz can go home. It’s as simple as that.
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Jul 28, 2019 12:10pm
Removing AC and auctioning bafalos .seeme they are on right path to build “Naya Pakistan”
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Jul 28, 2019 12:17pm
He is a convicted felon. Are you providing AC to every prisoner, if not he should experience the same
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Jul 28, 2019 12:27pm
Just return looted money and enjoy in your palaces..
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Jul 28, 2019 12:41pm
He not the only prisoner in his condition serving time without luxuries. It is not a hotel.
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Jul 28, 2019 12:46pm
Sadly, need air-conditioning all over places you stay in. Genuine public leaders like Nelson Mandela stayed in solitary confinement/prison for 27 years. He never demanded extra ordinary facilities. Opposition instead of fighting their case for priviliges should demand accountability for all including personnel from security forces.
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Jul 28, 2019 01:01pm
There is nothing wrong to punish wrong doers but it doesn't mean we can torture them or show brutality towards them..He served this country as a Prime Minister and removing AC and denying home food is a immature act. If someone served as a Prime Minister or President or Army General.. He should be given a certain respect. Let's the law takes it course but don't be silly
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Jul 28, 2019 01:13pm
The convicts should be treated harshly. That is the whole point of it. Shouldn't commit a crime if one cannot bear the consequences.
Also, with the current facilities, hes better off than 50% of the innocent Pakistani population which cannot even afford an AC or TV. What message do we get from that?
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Jul 28, 2019 01:15pm
If its good for one prisoner then its good the rest of prisoners as well. Why the rich are still treated differently in prison than the poor prisoners in Pakistan.
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Jul 28, 2019 01:23pm
IK should say I will allow it only if NS pays for the entire jail to have air conditioners
In any case TV should already be out I hope
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Jul 28, 2019 01:27pm
@faisal, do you have heart big enough to extend your sympathies towards other prisoners having suffering from worst conditions possibly caused by the incompetency, as stated by maryam safdar in her tweet? Every prisoner must be treated equally.
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Jul 28, 2019 01:29pm
@Anwar Saleem, the nation IS paying the price of commiting national crimes by former national criminals. Why don't you ask your beloved leaders to pay the money and go home respectfully. You want them to come back to power??
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Jul 28, 2019 01:37pm
Give him the ac but he should pay the whole jail's power bill
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Jul 28, 2019 02:04pm
If they feel jails should be better then let each convicted politician sponser renovations for the whole jail and for all prisoners. The jails can be named after them.
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Jul 28, 2019 02:20pm
Please put ACs in each prison cell along with TVs, laptops, mobiles, king size beds an bath tubs. After all the other convicts are humans too.
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Jul 28, 2019 02:40pm
Treat Mr. Shareef like any other convicted criminal.
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Jul 28, 2019 02:42pm
@Anwar Saleem, naive and cluess you are
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Jul 28, 2019 02:54pm
Remember the heatwave when thousands died in Karachi?
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Jul 28, 2019 02:57pm
Poor good citizens Heart patients in hospitals don’t get AC. He is a criminal heart patient in jail getting Ac and TV
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Jul 28, 2019 03:03pm
Shameful behaviour of Imran Khan and his vengeful government.
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Jul 28, 2019 03:13pm
99% of the public can’t afford ACs. Are they dying because of not having ACs?
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Jul 28, 2019 03:14pm
Can we also provide AC to rest of the prisoners where doctor has recommended?
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Jul 28, 2019 03:28pm
Are we trying to glorify corruption by giving him a five star treatment
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Jul 28, 2019 03:29pm
What a farce. He has is a criminal therefore should be treated as one. The other prisoners are not even allowed a private medical consultation leave alone AC. He should have thought about his health before looting the country.
The laws should be amended immediately so the corrupt politicians should go through hardship & the country gets the looted wealth back. If these criminals keep keep getting privileges of ac, home cooked food, private hospitals & doctors etc etc we will never get the loot back.
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Jul 28, 2019 03:37pm
Nawaz his family and the Zardari family should all be behind bars for not collecting taxes and not payment no taxes . This is also treason not just corruption
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Jul 28, 2019 03:39pm
How many prisoners get medical boards and air conditioning and TV ?
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Jul 28, 2019 03:40pm
@Syed Hamed Raza, jail is not a guest house
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Jul 28, 2019 03:40pm
Very pathetic. As three time Premier, Govt should treat him with atmost dignity. But this is case of political vendetta and happened to PPP leaders as well. IK will get his turn after five years and Maryam will be enjoying it.
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Jul 28, 2019 04:02pm
our leader is very tough he will still stand for this nation. request to government please remove ac
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Jul 28, 2019 04:27pm
Nawaz Sharif should be given diet food, veggies and salads and stop him from eating his favourite Paya and Brain Masala.
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Jul 28, 2019 04:27pm
@Ahmad, What you say makes a lot of sense. A solution that will ensure the same kind of facilities for all the inmates.
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Jul 28, 2019 04:36pm
The question is Medical Board will take precedence over jail manual or vice versa? What pmln president wants or what Imran Khan wants is totally immaterial.
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Jul 28, 2019 04:37pm
Please provide air conditioning for all prisoners in all jails across punjab.
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Jul 28, 2019 04:46pm
Sadly, need air-conditioning all over places you stay in. Genuine public leaders like Nelson Mandela stayed in solitary confinement/prison for 27 years. He never demanded extra ordinary facilities. Opposition instead of fighting their case for priviliges should demand accountability for all including personnel from security forces.
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Jul 28, 2019 05:23pm
Why can't law be the same for everybody irrespective of his or her position, family background, association, status, power, color, class, faith, ethnicity, race, wealth, health and clout?
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Jul 28, 2019 05:31pm
Okay then return all your looted money to install ACs in all the jails. It should be fair right?
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Jul 28, 2019 05:41pm
If he had all prisoners of similar conditions should be given AC's I would have sympathy but since the medical board Shahbaz are only asking this for his brother, I have no sympathy or believe their request have any merit.
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Jul 28, 2019 05:48pm
Remove the AC so he can feel the pain of average Pakistanis, a little heat may encourage him to hand back all that looted wealth.
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Jul 28, 2019 05:48pm
No one is above the law.
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Jul 28, 2019 05:50pm
there is absolutely no medical reason to keep AC . if it is said it is totally wrong
I am consultant in UK and it makes me laugh at medical board which if AC not their kidneys will fail. for kidneys you need drink water and control blood sugar, Pakistan will need millions of Acs to treat kidneys with AC
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Jul 28, 2019 05:50pm
@Ahsan Gul, Would not the rest of prisoners think that government is biased towards them? Think about it!"
the opinion of the rest of the prisoners is very importanat in the case of ex PM.
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Jul 28, 2019 05:53pm
@Anwar Saleem, now he is criminal and should be treated like it
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Jul 28, 2019 05:58pm
Doctors prescribing patients air conditioners. Is this a joke?
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Jul 28, 2019 06:06pm
Nawaz sharif can pay the AC bill and monthly electricity cost , as long as he keeps paying the bill let him have it
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Jul 28, 2019 06:11pm
@faisal, shariffs are already paying the price? Exactly what price is that?
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Jul 28, 2019 06:13pm
Ironically the Shariff family would rather spend time in jail than return the money, looks like it’s going to be along day.
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Jul 28, 2019 06:31pm
@Aslam, Please understand, Nawaz Sharif is in prison on corruption charges and this conviction is by SC. If prisoners are given these facilities then everyone wants to live in this prison forever.
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Jul 28, 2019 06:32pm
AC should not be provided to criminals. Period. No exception
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Jul 28, 2019 06:33pm
@Aslam, there is harm, other prisoners are not getting it and this is public's money
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Jul 28, 2019 06:42pm
Well this is only way to pull the looting money. And no one is above the law. Sorry Nawaz. If ac is not out than ik govt is not loyal with pakistani
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Jul 28, 2019 08:27pm
pathetic for PMLN
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Jul 28, 2019 08:40pm
Today AC , tomorrow Cinema projector and swimming pool in jail.- These corrupt and criminal Sharifs are used to luxurious lifestyle.
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Jul 28, 2019 09:11pm
@Syed Hamed Raza, Then the whole jail would need to be Central AC for all convicts;
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Jul 28, 2019 09:34pm
Nawaz is a culprit and in prison like any other prisoner.
He is not PM or VIP in jail. He should get same treatment as any other prisoner.
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Jul 28, 2019 09:35pm
Do the other prisoners get AC in their room? If not then remove the AC from Nawaz's room too.
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Jul 28, 2019 09:55pm
Nawaz must share his cell with a fellow convict! He is taking up too much space...
Gordon D. Walker
Canada
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Jul 28, 2019 09:57pm
Regardless, removing A/C is too much.
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Jul 28, 2019 10:21pm
How come a man with such critical health can contest elections to become MNA or PM ? Currently all opposition politicians are seriously ill n sick n facing chronic diseases which can’t be treated in homeland ...... I strongly recommend to conduct medical for politicians as well ...... if they are at all have to make policy n legislation for Pakistan
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Jul 29, 2019 03:20am
NO NRO please. Enough of perks to these corrupt for so many years.
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Jul 29, 2019 05:31am
Nobody else gets special treatment in jail. They even die of heat strokes! Why should Nawaz be treated different? Perhaps if he had put some effort into improving Pakistani prisons, he might not have had to beg for an air conditioner. Or maybe he just shouldn't have looted money in the first place?
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Jul 29, 2019 01:41pm
@Haji, "Regardless, removing A/C is too much." Every prisoner should have it. They should have thought about it when they were in power.
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