Imran Khan shifted to Shifa International Hospital

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder and former prime minister Imran Khan was shifted from Adiala Jail to Shifa International Hospital in Islamabad under tight security, Aaj News reported.

Earlier, arrangements had been completed for the possible transfer of PTI founder from Adiala Jail to Shifa Hospital in Islamabad, while security outside the hospital had been placed on high alert.

The development came after the Supreme Court on Tuesday ordered the immediate transfer of Imran Khan to Shifa International Hospital for a comprehensive medical examination and treatment.

The government later challenged the Supreme Court’s order, terming the order discriminatory.

However, the Supreme Court registrar’s office returned the review petition after raising procedural objections.

According to the report, senior police officials, including Islamabad Inspector General of Police, had reached Shifa Hospital as preparations for Khan’s transfer had been stepped up on Thursday.

Necessary legal formalities inside Adiala Jail had also been completed, while security personnel and the escort squad had been directed to remain on alert.

Dr Uzma and Dr Faisal Sultan had entered Adiala Jail, while Khan’s sister Aleema Khan and cousin Qasim Zaman were present outside the prison.

The developments came after Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi met Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, with the two discussing Khan’s transfer to hospital and related security arrangements. The meeting also reviewed the overall security situation in the country and other matters.

Sources said the federal government had completed its preparations regarding legal and other issues linked to Khan’s transfer.

Earlier, Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Tariq Fazal Chaudhry said the law provides medical treatment to prisoners and allows them to be shifted to government hospitals when required.

He said the government had approached the Supreme Court only to seek clarification on whether the legal principles contained in its order regarding Khan’s medical treatment applied to all prisoners.

Chaudhry said that if the Supreme Court’s decision applied to the existing procedure, the government would fully comply with it. He maintained that the government did not want to deprive any prisoner of medical treatment, while it was also responsible for ensuring that legal, humanitarian and medical requirements were met.

He said if the required and appropriate treatment was not available at a government hospital, all legal options could be considered for better treatment, including treatment at Shifa International Hospital or, if necessary, abroad.

The minister further said relief for individuals convicted by courts could only be granted through legal and judicial procedures, adding that an executive order by a prime minister could not overturn or alter a court-imposed sentence.

Rejecting opposition allegations of political victimisation, Chaudhry said the government was acting in accordance with the law and judicial decisions rather than pursuing political revenge.

He said the government’s move to approach the Supreme Court was not intended to challenge or obstruct implementation of its order, but to seek clarification on whether the ruling was limited to a particular prisoner or applicable to other prisoners as well.

Chaudhry also said he would brief the opposition leader on developments regarding Khan’s health. Referring to the May 9, 2023 incidents, he described them as one of the darkest days in the country’s history, saying those involved had been convicted by courts and any relief would have to be sought through legal and judicial channels.

Meanwhile, Adviser to the Prime Minister on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah told reporters at Parliament House that the government was bound by the Constitution and law and had once again filed a review petition against the Supreme Court’s decision.