Govt to seek modifications to SC order on Imran’s health: law minister

Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar said on Tuesday that the government would approach the Supreme Court seeking “suitable modifications” to its order directing the transfer of former prime minister Imran Khan to Shifa International Hospital for medical examination.

The decision comes after the Supreme Court directed the government to shift the incarcerated PTI founder to Shifa International Hospital in Islamabad within two days for medical examination.

In a televised address, Tarar said the government would request that Imran be treated at a government hospital rather than a private facility, while medical experts and professionals could remain involved in his treatment.

He said allowing prisoners to undergo medical examinations at private hospitals could create a precedent under which “thousands” of other inmates across the country suffering from health complications could also seek similar treatment.

The minister said treatment for many medical conditions was possible within prisons, while government hospitals had the necessary facilities for prisoners requiring treatment outside jail.

“The SC is being requested [to make] suitable modifications to bring this order within the proper parameters of the Constitution and law,” Tarar said.

Earlier in the day, the top court ordered the government to allow Imran’s physician Dr Faisal Sultan and his sister Dr Uzma Khan to accompany him during the medical examination. 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 was to remain at the hospital until the next hearing to facilitate his complete medical examination and treatment.