Former prime minister Nawaz Sharif, his daughter Maryam and son-in-law Capt Safdar (retd) were released on parole due to Kulsoom Nawaz's death, Aaj News reported late on Tuesday night, adding that they were being shifted to Lahore. Initially, 12-hour parole has been granted and the duration could be extended. Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry confirmed the report, saying that parole was sought by Sharif family. Other sources said that former Punjab chief minister and brother of Nawaz, Shahbaz Sharif, had written a letter to the Home Secretary to seek parole.

The squad comprising of security details, ambulance had reached the Adiala and took the three for Lahore journey. Latest reports had it that Nawaz, Maryam and Safdar were brought to Islamabad airport. Earlier, Shahbaz had reached Adiala Jail and remained with Nawaz for more than 5 hours. His son Hamza and Salman also accompanied him but they had returned prior to his leaving.

Aaj News also reported that Hassan and Hussain Nawaz may not come to Pakistan. Zakaria Sharif, son of Hussain Nawaz would accompany the coffin of his grandmother to be flown to Pakistan. Shahbaz is said to be leaving for London. Nawaz's wife Kulsoom, 68, passed away after protracted illness in London. She was shifted to London hospital in August, 2017 and diagnosed with lymphoma.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2018