The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has fixed September 18 as the date for the hearing Nawaz Sharif's plea for the suspension of his sentence in the Al-Azizia reference.

A two-member bench comprising Judge Amir Farooq and Judge Mohsin Akhtar Kiyani will hear Sharif's plea. The IHC has also set the same date to hear the National Accountability Bureau’s appeal against Nawaz’s acquittal in the Flagship Investment case.

Last year in September, accountability court Judge Arshad Malik convicted Sharif in the Al-Azizia reference and sentenced him to seven years in jail. However, the judge acquitted him in the Flagship Investments case. The accountability court had also fined Nawaz Rs1.5 billion and US $25 million in the Al-Azizia reference. The three-time former PM is currently serving his sentence in Lahore's Kot Lakhpat Jail.

Following his conviction, the former premier approached the Supreme Court requesting it to grant him permission to travel abroad for medical treatment. The court, however, rejected the bail petition of Sharif. The apex court in its judgement had also suggested that Sharif’s counsel can approach appropriate forum to file his request.

The Pakistan Muslim League - Nawaz leader had then filed an application in the high court.