File photo of Former prime minister Nawaz Sharif. PHOTO: REUTERS

LAHORE: The PML-N supreme leader and former prime minister Nawaz Sharif is likely to undergo a crucial heart procedure next week, said the PML-N President Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday.



“Mian Sahib’s [Nawaz’s] heart procedure is expected next week. This is very important step of his treatment,” Shehbaz said while addressing his party lawmakers.



Former PM Nawaz has been in London since November 19, 2019. Nawaz, who is serving a seven-year jail term due to his conviction in a graft case, was granted interim bail in Oct 2019 in view of his debilitating health condition and later also the permission to travel abroad for medical treatment.



The PTI-led Punjab government has already refused to further extend Nawaz’s post arrest bail and ordered him to surrender himself to authorities.



Shehbaz had been with his brother for the last four months. However, he returned to Pakistan last week before suspension of the international flights in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak.



Addressing the party lawmakers on Wednesday, the PML-N president said the biggest opposition party has prepared a comprehensive national action plan to help the state take the right path in the wake of the growing coronavirus threat.



“The PML-N has made this plan after consultation with different experts and in light of its own experiences. There are suggestions encompassing financial, administrative and other aspects,” he said.



He said the party demands that the government declare a national emergency.



“We have decided that there will be no compromise on security and protection of human life. Putting political interest aside, we need to play a national role,” he added. He said they would push the government to take necessary measures for the safety and protection of the nation.



He said: “We present this plan to the government for immediate implementation. Several measures have already been taken by the government due to the pressure of opposition parties.”



Shehbaz said he has instructed his people to keep an eye on the situation in their respective areas and help in creating a data bank on the situation.



“We have asked members of Punjab Assembly, National Assembly, Senators, representatives of local government, party office-bearers and workers to expedite social and charity work. To politicize the current situation would be a sin.”



He said the PML-N is the party of the founders of Pakistan and is responsible for looking after the fellow countrymen. The PML-N would never shy away from scarifying for the country. Our country would pass through these testing times successfully, he added.



Talking to The Express Tribune, PML-N Punjab spokesperson Azma Bukhari said the PML-N has decided to form committees on divisional, provincial and national levels to keep an eye on the coronavirus situation in the country.



“These committee would also formulate strategy to extend help to the underprivileged during the entire lockdown. The PML-N President during the parliamentary party meeting has ordered extending the helping hand – be it financial or in the form of ration or medicines.



She said the party is also considering starting fund raising for the purpose.



“During a parliamentary party meeting, legal option regarding revival of local body system was also reviewed. The local body is the only way of government that would be able to reach out to the common people. The party would announce these committees on Thursday.”