The federal government has decided to approach the Supreme Court over its order concerning Imran Khan’s hospital transfer.
Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar announced the decision on Tuesday. The government wants the court to modify its order directing Khan’s transfer to Shifa International Hospital.
The Supreme Court had ordered Adiala jail authorities to transfer the PTI founder to the private hospital. The transfer must take place within two days for medical assessment and treatment.
However, the government believes the order requires clarification within the existing prison laws.
Government Proposes Treatment at a Government Hospital
Tarar said authorities had reviewed the Supreme Court’s order concerning Khan’s transfer.
He explained that some parts of the ruling involved prison authorities and the Islamabad administration.
According to the law minister, officials discussed those points with the relevant authorities.
The government believes the order does not fall within the legal framework governing facilities for convicted prisoners.
“The authorities propose seeking a modification of the order so that Imran could instead undergo a medical assessment at a government hospital,” Tarar said.
He argued that prison authorities follow a specific procedure when prisoners require medical treatment outside jail.
According to Tarar, a medical board first determines whether a prisoner needs treatment outside the prison.
If the board recommends external treatment, authorities transfer the prisoner to a government hospital.
Tarar Questions Private Hospital Treatment for Prisoners
The law minister also raised concerns about the wider implications of transferring a prisoner to a private hospital.
He pointed out that thousands of other prisoners remain in jails with health-related concerns.
Tarar questioned how private hospital treatment for one prisoner would fit within the existing system.
According to him, the law provides a defined process for assessing prisoners’ medical needs.
A medical board determines whether treatment should continue inside jail or take place at a hospital.
He further explained that authorities normally send prisoners to government hospitals when outside treatment becomes necessary.
“Until evidence is received that government hospitals are unable to provide the required treatment, such arrangements are not made,” the law minister said.
Therefore, the government wants the Supreme Court to consider whether a government hospital can provide the required medical assessment and treatment.
Government Raises Questions Over SC Order
Tarar said the Supreme Court’s order could create several complications for prison authorities. He questioned whether the ruling would establish a similar arrangement for other prisoners.
The law minister also said the government wants to remove what it considers ambiguity in the order.
As a result, authorities plan to seek its modification through the Supreme Court. The proposed review would focus on the hospital designated for Khan’s medical assessment and treatment.
The government wants the former prime minister to receive the required assessment at a government hospital instead.
SC Orders Imran Khan’s Transfer to Shifa International Hospital
The government’s decision follows the Supreme Court’s order concerning Khan’s medical care. The court directed Adiala jail authorities to transfer the PTI founder to Shifa International Hospital. The transfer was ordered for medical assessment and treatment.
The authorities must comply with the court’s direction within two days. Khan, 73, has remained in prison since August 2023 following several convictions. He and his party have described the convictions as politically motivated.
His imprisonment followed multiple legal cases after his removal from office in April 2022. He was removed as prime minister after a no-confidence vote.
Sanaullah Calls SC Ruling Independent and Merit-Based
Prime Minister’s Adviser on Political and Public Affairs Rana Sanaullah earlier described the Supreme Court ruling differently.
Speaking to journalists outside Parliament House, Sanaullah called the decision “independent and based on merit”.
He also criticised the PTI for taking too long to pursue its case through legal channels. According to Sanaullah, the party could have received relief earlier if it had approached the courts sooner.
“The PTI placed its case before the right forum, and the decision has come on merit,” he said.
Sanaullah also urged the PTI to respect court decisions. He said the party should accept judicial decisions even when they do not favour it.
Government Reiterates Offer for Political Dialogue
Sanaullah also referred to the prime minister’s offer for talks with the opposition. He said the offer had remained available for a considerable period.
However, he claimed that the opposition had not responded positively to the proposal. Meanwhile, Federal Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Tariq Fazal Chaudhry said the government would implement the Supreme Court’s order.
He assured that the ruling would be followed in letter and spirit. Chaudhry described the judiciary’s decision as a vindication of the government’s position.
Tariq Fazal Chaudhry Says Courts Are the Route to Relief
Chaudhry said courts remained the only channel through which relief could be obtained. He also referred to PTI senators who had praised the Supreme Court’s decision.
“The PTI has now become convinced that the courts are delivering justice,” he said.
The minister maintained that the prime minister could not act against a court decision. He said the prime minister did not have executive authority to say anything contrary to judicial orders.
Chaudhry also reiterated that the government’s offer for dialogue remained open. He urged the opposition to take the offer seriously.
What Happens Next in Imran Khan’s Hospital Transfer Case?
The federal government now plans to approach the Supreme Court for modification of its order. Its proposed position is that Khan should receive medical assessment at a government hospital.
Meanwhile, the Supreme Court’s existing order directs Adiala jail authorities to transfer him to Shifa International Hospital.
The government’s proposed review could therefore determine how the order will be implemented. Until the Supreme Court considers the government’s request, the issue remains focused on the appropriate hospital for Khan’s medical assessment and treatment.
The development has also highlighted differing positions within the government over the court’s decision.
While Tarar has raised concerns about the legal framework, Sanaullah described the ruling as merit-based.
At the same time, Chaudhry said the government would follow the court’s decision and reiterated its offer for political dialogue.
