Transfer of IK to private hospital: Tarar defends govt’s decision to file review petition

ISLAMABAD: Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said on Wednesday that the Supreme Court’s order regarding the transfer of PTI founder Imran Khan to private-sector Shifa International Hospital raised a “broader legal question” about whether the same entitlement would apply to all prisoners.

Talking to the media, he defended the government’s decision to file a review petition against the Supreme Court’s order, maintaining that the former prime minister would continue to receive medical facilities in accordance with the law and jail rules.

Tarar said there was no ambiguity regarding the provision of medical treatment to the PTI founder, adding that healthcare facilities had been provided to him in the past and would continue to remain available.

“Every prisoner has the right to healthcare facilities in accordance with the Constitution and the law,” the minister said.

He, however, said the government would seek a review of the part of the Supreme Court’s decision concerning treatment at a private hospital, arguing that the matter raised a broader legal question.

“The review petition relates to treatment of a prisoner at a private hospital. It must be clear whether all prisoners have this right,” Tarar said, stressing that the issue was a legal matter and should not be politicised.

The information minister said the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz had never politicised matters concerning Imran Khan’s health, while accusing the PTI of having politicised the health of PML-N leaders in the past.

He said health issues should remain separate from politics and reiterated that Imran Khan would continue to receive treatment and medical facilities as prescribed under the jail manual.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026