SC orders Imran Khan’s transfer to Shifa hospital for medical examination

The Supreme Court on Tuesday ordered the immediate transfer of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan to Shifa International Hospital for a comprehensive medical examination and treatment, Aaj News reported.

Under the court’s directives, Imran will be accompanied during his medical examination by his physician, Dr Faisal Sultan, and his sister, Dr Uzma Khan. They will bear the hospital expenses themselves.

The court also ordered that Imran be transferred to the hospital under tight security and directed the formation of a dedicated medical board for his treatment.

According to the Supreme Court’s directions, Imran will remain at the hospital until the next hearing to facilitate his complete medical examination and treatment.

The court further ordered that law and order should be strictly maintained outside the hospital and prohibited any political activity or gathering there.

During the hearing, Justice Naeem Akhtar Afghan expressed concern that ordinary patients visiting the hospital for treatment should not face any inconvenience.

PTI lawyers Salman Akram Raja and Shahid Khattak assured the court that no political activity would be held outside the hospital and that party workers would not be allowed to gather there.

The Supreme Court ordered immediate implementation of its directions and adjourned further proceedings until September 16.

Court hearing

During Tuesday’s hearing, Imran’s counsel, Uzair Bhandari, told the court that his client was being kept in isolation and that his sisters were not being allowed to meet him.

He said a team of government doctors had also recommended that meetings be allowed. The lawyer requested a comprehensive medical examination of Imran and permission for his sister Uzma and Dr Asim to meet him.

Justice Shahid Waheed questioned what guarantee there was that the sisters would not speak to the media after meeting Imran.

In response, Bhandari assured the court, on Dr Uzma’s instructions, that there would be no media talk following the meeting.

The court also sought Imran’s complete medical record and details of his phone calls with his children.

Justice Shahid questioned why there was any issue with providing the medical record, observing that the material submitted to the court so far was merely a summary. He directed that the complete record be submitted before the next hearing, noting that once submitted to the court, it would not remain confidential.

On meetings with Imran’s children and sisters, the Islamabad advocate general said meetings would not be allowed if anyone violated the law. He also told the court that more than 40 meetings with the sisters had taken place over the past three years.

Justice Shahid expressed displeasure, asking whether the state would also violate the law if someone else was doing so.

He observed that allowing Imran to meet his sisters was not a favour but a fundamental right, and questioned the failure to implement directions issued by the Islamabad High Court.

Justice Naeem also said that one point should be settled: PTI should not politicise the issue of Imran’s health.

The court subsequently sought the complete record of meetings between Imran and his sisters and issued further directions in the case.

PTI urges workers to refrain from gathering outside hospital

The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has welcomed the Supreme Court decision to transfer its founding chairman Imran to Shifa hospital and to constitute a medical board comprising expert doctors for his comprehensive medical examination, the party’s Central Media Department said in a post on X.

Regarding Imran’s health, it said the Tehreek-e-Insaf, Imran’s family, and millions of Pakistanis have been expressing profound concern for the past several weeks over the former prime minister’s health. “Today’s order from the Supreme Court has bolstered this fundamental demand that Imran Khan be provided with the best possible medical facilities and treatment under the supervision of expert doctors,” it said.

The political party expressed the hope that immediate, complete, and expeditious implementation of the judicial directive will be ensured, and after transferring Imran to Shifa hospital, a medical board consisting of specialist doctors in eye, heart, and other related ailments will conduct his thorough medical examination.

The inclusion of Imran’s personal physician, Dr Faisal, and his sister, Dr Aleema, in the medical board will be crucial in ensuring an impartial and comprehensive review of his medical history, current symptoms, and all aspects of his treatment, the PTI said.

Furthermore, it stated, in light of the Supreme Court’s directive, arrangements will also be made to ensure meetings and access for Imran with his family, so that his legal and human rights can be fully upheld during this difficult time.

“Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf makes a special appeal to all its workers, office-bearers, and supporters of Imran Khan to fully respect the Supreme Court’s guidance and to refrain from any gatherings, assemblies, or crowds outside Shifa International Hospital.

“We urge our workers to demonstrate responsibility in maintaining a peaceful environment outside the hospital in the interest of Imran Khan’s health and treatment, and to cooperate in ensuring complete implementation of the judicial directives,” it said.

The party regarded this Supreme Court directive as an important step toward safeguarding Imran’s fundamental right to health and human dignity, and said it expected that the relevant authorities will dutifully comply with the judicial orders to ensure the provision of the best medical facilities to the politico.