ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court has ordered the transfer of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan to Shifa International Hospital, directing that he remain there until the next hearing of his case.
According to the court’s directives, Imran Khan’s sister, Dr. Uzma Khan, and his personal physician will be permitted to be present with him at the hospital. The Supreme Court has also directed Shifa International Hospital to constitute a medical board to oversee his treatment.
Raising concerns over his health, the Supreme Court remarked, “Neither Imran Khan’s pulse nor his heart is normal. According to the medical report, his vital organs have started to be affected.”
The court also questioned the earlier handling of the case, observing, “It should also be explained why the Islamabad High Court’s order was violated.” It further remarked, “Allowing meetings is not a favor; it is Imran Khan’s fundamental right. The state cannot violate fundamental rights.”
The Advocate General of Islamabad has been directed to submit details of meetings held over the past three years, records of Imran Khan’s meetings with his sons, and call detail records (CDRs).
Transfer Preparations Underway
Sources at Adiala Jail said Imran Khan has been informed of his transfer to the hospital, and preparations for the move have been completed, though the exact timing has not yet been finalized.
According to jail sources, the expenses for his treatment at the private hospital will be borne by his family. Following his medical examination, a report will be submitted to the court. Security arrangements at the hospital will be handled by Islamabad Police, while the decision on whether to formally declare Shifa International Hospital a sub-jail rests with the Islamabad commissioner.
Political Reaction Divided
The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI) have welcomed the Supreme Court’s decision. The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), however, has criticized the ruling, describing it as a conspiracy.
PML-N Senator Nasir Butt, seen as close to Nawaz Sharif, said: “The PTI founder has gone where he was supposed to go. It appears that once again a conspiracy is being hatched against Nawaz Sharif’s government. Every time Nawaz Sharif returns, while those who conspire against him are left behind.”
Case Proceedings
The case was heard by a three-member Supreme Court bench headed by Justice Shahid Waheed, with Justice Naeem Akhtar Afghan and Justice Ishtiaq Ibrahim also on the bench.
The Advocate General of Islamabad and the Additional Attorney General of Islamabad represented the government before the court. Advocates Aziz Bhandari and Salman Akram Raja presented arguments on the petitions concerning Imran Khan’s meetings with family members and his transfer to hospital.