ISLAMABAD: Security was tightened around Shifa International Hospital on Thursday night amid preparations for the possible transfer of former prime minister Imran Khan.
Authorities closed several roads leading to the hospital and deployed additional police personnel across the area. However, officials had not confirmed whether Khan would be transferred that night.
Security Arrangements Intensified at Shifa Hospital
Heavy contingents of Islamabad Police were deployed around Shifa International Hospital. Authorities also placed barriers at several access points.
Officials removed vehicles parked along nearby roads using lifters. The measures restricted movement around the hospital as authorities prepared for Khan’s possible arrival.
Islamabad Police Inspector General Syed Ali Nasir Rizvi also visited the hospital. He reviewed the security arrangements alongside senior administration officials.
“Security arrangements have been made,” the Islamabad police chief said after the visit.
The heightened security came as the Supreme Court’s deadline for Khan’s transfer approached.
Hospital Prepares for Imran Khan’s Medical Examination
Sources said arrangements for Khan’s transfer had been completed. He could potentially be moved from Adiala jail to Shifa International Hospital later in the night.
Hospital sources also said special arrangements were ready for his possible treatment.
According to the sources, doctors would initially examine Khan in the emergency department. A team of six specialist doctors would conduct the medical assessment.
The medical team would then decide whether Khan required hospital admission. Special arrangements were reportedly ready if doctors recommended further treatment.
Government Challenges Supreme Court Directive
The possible transfer remained uncertain because the government challenged the Supreme Court’s order.
The government filed a review petition against the directive. It argued that sending Khan to a private hospital could affect the criminal justice system.
The government also raised concerns about creating a precedent for similar requests from other prisoners.
However, the Supreme Court Registrar’s Office returned the petition on Thursday. Officials raised objections, including incomplete paper books attached to the application.
Government sources later said the review petition was filed again after addressing the objections.
Officials Give Different Views on Transfer Deadline
Prime Minister’s Adviser on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah said the government was awaiting a decision on its review petition.
“Let the decision on the review petition come. Things will become clear after that,” Sanaullah told reporters at Parliament House.
He said the government remained bound by the Constitution and law. However, he questioned whether the court order could encourage similar requests from other prisoners.
Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar gave a different indication about the deadline.
“There is time until 12 midnight tonight for the transfer,” Tarar said.
Asked whether Khan would be transferred, Tarar added, “There is still time. Let’s see what happens.”
Supreme Court Orders Medical Transfer
The Supreme Court ordered Khan’s transfer to Shifa International Hospital on Tuesday.
A three-member bench headed by Justice Shahid Waheed issued the interim order after hearing petitions related to Khan’s medical treatment and family meetings.
The court directed authorities to establish a medical board for Khan’s assessment and treatment. His personal physician and his sister’s nominated doctor were also to participate in the process.
The order came amid continuing concerns about Khan’s health, including reported vision problems.
Khan, 73, has remained imprisoned at Adiala jail since 2023 following convictions in several cases. His party has repeatedly described the cases as politically motivated.
Transfer Remains Unconfirmed
As the midnight deadline approached, security measures around Shifa International Hospital remained heightened.
The deployment and road closures indicated that authorities were preparing for the possibility of Khan’s arrival. However, officials had not issued confirmation that the transfer had taken place.
The situation remained dependent on the government’s legal challenge and the implementation of the Supreme Court’s directive.
