LAHORE, March 27 -- Former premier Nawaz Sharif was released on Tuesday night after the Supreme Court granted him bail for six weeks.

The former premier was released from Lahore's Kot Lakhpat jail after 12:30am on court orders.

Scores of PML-N supporters had gathered outside the jail to receive Nawaz Sharif. They surrounded Sharif's vehicle before it left for his Jati Umra residence.

Hours before his release, the former prime minister's daughter Maryam Nawaz took to Twitter to thank their fans for their support.

"Insha'Allah, MNS [Mian Nawaz Sharif] will be home soon. Want to take this opportunity to thank Allah and then every PMLN supporter. You guys were instrumental in keeping my spirits and hopes high. I have no words to express m...