Govt to seek review of SC order on PTI founder’s transfer to hospital

The federal government has decided to approach the Supreme Court for modification of its order regarding the transfer of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan to Shifa International Hospital for medical assessment and treatment.

Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar said the government had reviewed the Supreme Court’s order and discussed some of its points with the prison authorities and the Islamabad administration.

The Supreme Court had earlier ordered Adiala jail authorities to transfer Imran Khan to Shifa International Hospital within two days for medical assessment and treatment.

Tarar said the authorities believe the order does not fit within the existing legal framework for providing medical facilities to convicted prisoners. He said the government wants Imran Khan to undergo his medical assessment at a government hospital instead.

“The authorities propose seeking a modification of the order so that Imran could instead undergo a medical assessment at a government hospital,” the law minister said.

He explained that under prison laws, a medical board decides whether a prisoner should be treated inside the jail or moved to a hospital. If treatment outside the jail is required, the prisoner is normally transferred to a government hospital.

“Until evidence is received that government hospitals are unable to provide the required treatment, such arrangements are not made,” the law minister said.

Tarar also raised concerns about the possible complications of transferring one prisoner to a private hospital, asking whether the same facility would then have to be provided to other prisoners with health problems.

He said the government would approach the Supreme Court to remove the ambiguity and seek a modification of the order.

SC ruling ‘based on merit’: Sanaullah

Prime Minister’s Adviser on Political and Public Affairs Rana Sanaullah described the Supreme Court’s decision to transfer Imran Khan to hospital as “independent and based on merit”.

Speaking to journalists outside Parliament House, Sanaullah said the PTI had taken too long to use the legal route. He said relief could have come earlier if the party had approached the courts sooner.

“The PTI placed its case before the right forum, and the decision has come on merit,” he said.

Sanaullah urged the PTI to respect court decisions even when they did not go in its favour. He also said the Prime Minister’s offer for talks had remained available for a long time but had not received a positive response from the opposition.

Meanwhile, Federal Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Tariq Fazal Chaudhry said the government would implement the Supreme Court’s order in letter and spirit.

Chaudhry said the courts were the proper channel for seeking relief and noted that PTI senators had also welcomed the Supreme Court’s decision.

He said the prime minister did not have executive authority to act against a court order and reiterated that the government’s offer for dialogue remained open.