Prime Minister’s Adviser on Political and Public Affairs Rana Sanaullah described the Supreme Court’s decision to transfer former Prime Minister Imran Khan from jail to a hospital as an independent ruling grounded in merit. Speaking outside Parliament House, the PML-N senator noted that the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) had delayed pursuing legal avenues, suggesting that earlier recourse to the courts could have brought relief sooner.
He emphasized that the PTI had ultimately presented its case before the appropriate forum, resulting in a decision based on its merits. Sanaullah also urged the PTI to respect judicial rulings, even when outcomes are unfavorable. Additionally, he reiterated that the Prime Minister’s offer for dialogue had been extended for some time but had not received a positive response from opposition parties.
In a significant development earlier on Tuesday, the Supreme Court ordered Imran Khan’s transfer from Adiala jail to Shifa International Hospital for medical evaluation and treatment until September 16. The three-member bench, led by Justice Shahid Waheed and including Justices Naeem Akhtar Afghan and Ishtiaq Ibrahim, issued the interim order after hearing petitions filed by Imran’s sister Dr. Uzma Khan, his lawyer Uzair Bhandari, and PTI leader Mashal Yousafzai concerning his medical care and family visits.
The court directed the formation of a medical board to assess and treat Imran Khan, mandating the presence of Dr. Uzma and his personal physician during the process. The family was instructed to cover the medical expenses. Authorities were ordered to ensure his transfer to the hospital under strict security and to complete all necessary arrangements within two days. The court also stressed that law and order around the hospital must remain intact during his stay.
Furthermore, the bench prohibited the use of Imran’s medical report for political purposes, warning that any breach of this directive could lead to the withdrawal of the facilities provided to him. Imran Khan, 73, has been imprisoned since August 2023 following convictions his party claims are politically motivated. Since his removal from office in April 2022 via a no-confidence vote, he has faced multiple legal challenges. While some convictions have been suspended or overturned, several appeals are still pending in higher courts. Both Imran and the PTI continue to deny all allegations against them.
Meanwhile, Federal Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Tariq Fazal Chaudhry assured that the Supreme Court’s order would be implemented fully, describing the judiciary’s ruling as a validation of the government’s stance. He stated that the courts remain the sole avenue for relief, noting that PTI senators have acknowledged the judiciary’s role in delivering justice. Chaudhry also emphasized that the prime minister lacks executive authority to contradict court decisions and reiterated that the offer for dialogue from the prime minister remains open and should be seriously considered by the opposition.
