Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Accountability Mirza Shahzad Akbar says verdict of Lahore High Court on removal of Nawaz Sharif's name from Exit Control List is an endorsement of the government's stance.

Addressing a news conference along with Attorney General Anwar Mansoor Khan in Islamabad on Sunday, he said according to law the name of a convict cannot be removed from Exit Control List.

However, he said permission was granted to Nawaz Sharif on humanitarian grounds to let him proceed abroad due to his health condition.

Shahzad Akbar said the cabinet had decided to grant one time permission to Nawaz Sharif, specifically for medical treatment. He said this permission was duration bound for four weeks.

He said it was also decided that upon completion of his treatment, Nawaz Sharif will return to the country and face the cases against him. His return would also be ensured.

The Special Assistant said Sharif family has a precedent of not returning to the country when granted permissions to go abroad.

He said the amount of surety bond for Nawaz Sharif was determined on the basis of sentences awarded to him in various cases.

Shahzad Akbar said violation of undertaking given by PML-N President Shahbaz Sharif to Lahore High Court will be a criminal offence. He said the verdict of court will be discussed in the cabinet meeting on Tuesday.

Kiani/Zunera